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Pictures, photographs, colors, features, and sizes are for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. Home and community information including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state prior registration is required or if void by law. See New Home Counselor for details. CRC 1330351 CGC 1520474

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STETSON UNIVERSITY

LAKE EUSTIS

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MT. DORA 415

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4 LAKE MARY BLVD

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042222

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STICKER SHOCK FOR RENTERS

She began looking for a new apartment only to find that rents were actually even higher than her current apartment, even after the increase. It wasn’t long before she realized that renting was not in her financial best interest. Still, she didn’t want a single-family home and the maintenance obligations that came with it. She had gotten rid of the lawn guy, the pool guy and the housekeeper when she got rid of her husband and didn’t want any of them back. Working with a trusted Realtor, she was able to find the perfect townhome in the perfect community — and her mortgage payments are less than her rent had been. She’s all settled in, but now keeps asking herself why she had rented for so long. If you’re a renter, perhaps you ought to ask the same question.

I have a friend who divorced many years ago. Once her divorce was final and the property was divided, she proclaimed that there were two things she would never do again. One was to get married, and the other was to own a home. She argued that she had tried them both once and decided she didn’t like either. So, she rented. For nearly 20 years she lived in the same apartment and said it suited her lifestyle. She came and went as she pleased, and maintenance was someone else’s problem. When COVID-19 came calling, she was concerned that working remotely would be difficult, but as time progressed, she settled into a routine and never missed a beat. Then a couple of months ago the property management company asked her to sign a new lease. She had expected a rent increase — there had been one every year — but the nearly 40 percent jump this time was shocker.

CONTENTS | S P R I N G

PHYLLIS M. MILLER Director of Administration TINA ROBERS Art Director MYRON CARDEN Distribution Manager MICHAEL CANDELARIA, MARY SHANKLIN, PATRICIA LETAKIS Contributing Writers HARRY WESSEL Contributing Editor W int e r Pa r k Pu b l is hing Co m pa n y L LC

RANDY NOLES Chief Executive Officer ALLAN E. KEEN Co-Chairman, Board of Managers JANE HAMES Co-Chairman, Board of Managers THERESA SWANSON Vice Chairman, Board of Managers

Co m m u nit y Pa rt ne r s

THERESA SWANSON Group Publisher theresa@thefloridahomebuyer.com

2022

2 FROM THE PUBLISHER

30 OUR TOWNS

4 FEATURED BUILDER

Although they’re new to the market, Landsea Homes is set for success. By Patricia Letakis

There’s something for everyone in Central Florida. Let’s take a tour and you can see for yourself. By Michael Candelaria

6 FEATURED COMMUNITY

RESOURCES

Avalon Park Tavares is both welcoming and self-sufficient. By Patricia Letakis

53 PUBLIC SCHOOLS 60 COMMUNITIES

8 FEATURED FLOORPLAN

HOME HOME HOME

Park Square’s Hampton model has a vibe that’s expansive and welcoming. By Patricia Letakis

CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION thefloridahomebuyer.com

BUYER

CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION thefloridahomebuyer.com

spring 2022

BUYER

CENTRAL CENTRAL FLORIDA FLORIDA EDITION EDITION thefloridahomebuyer.com thefloridahomebuyer.com sf a p rl li n2g0 22 10 2 2

spring 2022

BUYER

IS THE WEST SIDE THE BEST SIDE?

Custom home by Farina & Sons, Inc.

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HARVEY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY UBEEK PHOTOGRAPHY

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JEFFERY A. DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

MY VISUAL PHOTOGRAPHY

GROWTH IS HEALTHY ALONG BURGEONING WELLNESS WAY

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13 SUNBRIDGE

RANDY NOLES Editor and Publisher

Larry and Joanne Adams; The Albertson Company, Ltd.; Richard O. Baldwin Jr.; Jim and Diana Barnes; Brad Blum; Ken and Ruth Bradley; John and Dede Caron; Bruce Douglas; Steve Goldman; Hal George; Michael Gonick; Micky Grindstaff; Sharon and Marc Hagle; Larry and Jane Hames; Eric and Diane Holm; Garry and Isis Jones; Allan E. and Linda S. Keen; Knob Hill Group (Rick and Trish Walsh, Jim and Beth DeSimone, Chris Schmidt); FAN Fund; Kevin and Jacqueline Maddron; Drew and Paula Madsen; Kenneth J. Meister; Ann Hicks Murrah; Jack Myers; Michael P. O’Donnell; Nicole and Mike Okaty; Bill and Jody Orosz; Martin and Ellen Prague; Serge and Kerri Rivera; Jon C. and Theresa Swanson; Sam and Heather Stark; Randall B. Robertson; George Sprinkel; Philip Tiedtke; Roger K. Thompson; Ed Timberlake; Harold and Libby Ward; Warren “Chip” Weston; Tom and Penny Yochum; and Victor and Jackie A. Zollo.

FEATURE

Sunbridge is taking shape on property that’s rich in history, mystery and unadulterated Old Florida beauty. By Michael Candelaria

THERESA SWANSON Group Publisher/Director of Sales

MICHAEL OKATY, ESQ. General Counsel, Foley & Lardner LLP

DEPARTMENTS

SPECIAL SECTION

BUYER

ON THE COVER Readers of this issue of Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition may see one of three covers: one is a custom home by Sorenson Construction; one is a custom home by Farina & Sons, Inc.; and one is a custom home by Phil Kean Design Group

H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

M e m b e r s Of

Contact Us Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition 201 West Canton Avenue, Suite 125B Winter Park, Florida 32789 Phone: 407-647-0225 thefloridahomebuyer.com Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition Winter 2022 is published quarterly by Winter Park Publishing Company LLC, 201 West Canton Avenue, Suite 125B, Winter Park, Florida 32789. Copyright 2022 by Winter Park Publishing Company LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Send all correspondence to Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition, 201 West Canton Avenue, Suite 125B, Winter Park, Florida 32789. Unsolicited manuscripts without return postage will not be returned. DISCLAIMER: Advertisements in this publication do not constitute an offer for sale in any state or country where prohibited or restricted by law.

“The Seal of Homebuilding Excellence” Representing the area’s leading custom home builders, the Master Custom Builder Council has pledged to maintain the highest professional standards in the home building industry, dedicating themselves to using their craft to make Central Florida an even finer place to live. Basso Homes Cahill Homes Charles Clayton Construction Dave Brewer, Inc. DeLorenzo Homes, Inc. Derrick Builders, Inc. Farina & Sons, Inc. Goehring & Morgan Construction

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Hannigan Homes Hardwick General Contracting Issa Homes Jones Clayton Construction J. Richard Watson Construction LunDev Custom Homes McNally Construction Group Phil Kean Design Group Posada Custom Homes

PSG Construction Sorenson Construction Silliman Cityside Homes Stonebridge Homes The Einheit Company Waters Construction Builders Woodruff Construction and Development

P.O. Box 536732 Orlando, Florida 32853 | 407.875.2121

PUBLISHER’S PICK: BUILDER  LANDSEA HOMES

Nicola Mitchell, vice president of Landsea Homes, says: “We want to make sure that everybody is aware that even though we have a new brand above us, it’s the same people, it’s the same builders, it’s the same salespeople, it’s the same back-office structure.” Landsea recently bought Hanover Family Builders.

ALTHOUGH THEY’RE NEW TO THE MARKET, LANDSEA HOMES IS SET FOR SUCCESS

s Landsea Homes signage appears throughout communities in Central Florida, homebuyers may wonder if there’s a new player in the red-hot newhome market. The answer is yes and no. In January 2022, Orlando-based Hanover Family Builders was acquired by the publicly traded California-based residential homebuilder, and this April, Landsea Homes officially made its debut in the local market after two years of preparation. “We worked really closely with the corporate marketing team, creating social media posts and a lot of other online marketing so the transition would be as smooth as possible,” explains Nicola Mitchell, a former Hanover employee who’s now vice president of sales and marketing for its successor company. Besides rebranding the sales offices, signage and the website, there was internal training for employees regarding policies and the company’s culture.

H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

The Hanover brand has been prominent locally since 2017, building and delivering 632 homes in 18 communities during 2021. At the time of the purchase, Hanover had 469 homes ordered and access to 4,100 homesites — which means Landsea will be a major player right out of the gate. Co-presidents Matt and Steve Orosz and their brother Andrew, senior VP and general counsel, kick-started the company shortly after the 2014 sale — with their father, the legendary Bill Orosz — of Royal Oak Homes to AV Homes, which was subsequently acquired by Taylor Morrison. The elder Orosz also started Cambridge Homes in 1991, which was ultimately bought by K. Hovnanian in 2005. Nobody knows the market — and has been more consistently successful — than this family of longtime Central Floridians. Says Mitchell: “We want to make sure that everybody is aware that even through we have a new brand above us, it’s the same people, it’s the same builders, it’s the same salespeople, it’s the same back-office structure.” Mitchell, who began her career as a salesperson with Royal Oak Homes, later joined Hanover Family Builders as its sales manager, where she grew the team from six to 30 people. Last November, she was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing, taking the helm just as Landsea Homes prepared

Landsea Homes’s Osceola Executive model (elevation, top, and master suite, bottom right) has five bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms in a spacious 3,899 square feet. It’s priced from the $610s. The Sebastian model (kitchen, bottom left) has four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms in 2,536 square feet and is priced from the mid-$400s.

to enter the market. Acquiring Hanover, which focused on relatively affordable homes, aligned nicely with Landsea’s broader product positioning goals. The company’s portfolio includes townhomes priced from the low $300s, and single-family homes and higher-end waterfront properties priced up to $700,000-plus. Homes range in size from 1,500 to 5,000 square feet. As for the style of homes, Mitchell says: “One thing we have done in the last 12 months is develop our elevations. So most of our floorplans have up to four different choices of elevations, which eliminates that cookie-cutter community look.” Landsea builds homes in five states and in some 20 Central Florida communities. “We now build from Palm Coast to Palm Bay and from DeLand to Haines City. We have a huge footprint,” says Mitchell. Within the next six months, the company’s Sky Lakes Estates will open in St. Cloud, with single-family homes and townhomes. Beresford Woods in DeLand pioneers some fresh territory for Landsea.

The company also has projects about to start in Spring Walk at the Junction in DeBary and Red Tail in Sorrento, with presales set to start in both communities this summer. Model homes at Lake Lincoln community in Eustis opened in May. Landsea has another community in Mount Dora, Bar Grove, that offers oversized homesites measuring 80-by-175 instead of the more standard 50-by-120. That means buyers who want a home with a pool can still have a sizeable lawn. At press time, ground had just been broken for model homes. As builders across the country face labor and material challenges, Landsea is no exception. “We have regular meetings with our purchasing department so we can keep in front of labor and material costs and make sure we can still deliver a goodpriced home,” explains Mitchell, who stresses that the company also maintains constant communication with buyers. Mitchell stresses that it’s all about building confidence, and letting buyers know that they’re the top priority. That’s something they’ve all had plenty of practice doing. n —Patricia Letakis

SPRING 2022

PUBLISHER’S PICK: COMMUNITY  AVALON PARK TAVARES

Family-oriented Avalon Park Tavares will feature a friendly neighborhood vibe and an 18-acre city center that will combine residential and commercial uses. There’ll also be a community pool and playground as well as plenty of communal greenspace.

AVALON PARK TAVARES IS BOTH WELCOMING AND SELF-SUFFICIENT

aster-planned communities continue to pop up in the most unexpected places throughout Florida. Among the latest is Avalon Park Tavares, where workers are busy pouring concrete, tacking on roofs and building out this 155-acre project tucked behind bustling U.S. Highway 441 and the AdventHealth Waterman complex. Avalon Park Tavares sits at the corner of Huffstetler Drive and Mount Homer Road in Tavares, a Lake County town of 19,000 nicknamed “America’s Seaplane City” for its seaplane base on Lake Dora. Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations at Avalon Park Group, notes that the company has owned the land in Tavares for quite some time. “Our CEO’s vision is that Central Florida is where all the state’s growth is going to happen,” she says. “We just look for opportunities to partner with the right group, the right position.” In the late 1990s, Beat Kahli, who founded and still runs Avalon Park Group, also developed the original (and highly successful) Avalon Park in east Orlando.

H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

When complete, Avalon Park Tavares will be a complete town with homes and a city center. “We build all-inclusive towns where you can live, work and play in one area,” Lerret adds. “That form of development helps keep traffic down on major roads. It helps build community.” Phase One, under construction now and slated for com pletion in late 2023, has 228 single-family homesites. Builders include D.R. Horton, which holds some 115 homesites. The company is building from its Express Homes collection, where homes range in size from 1,504 to 2,447 square feet and are priced from $360,990. The second builder, Stanley Martin, offers a slightly more upscale product with 9-foot ceilings and tile and granite countertops on its 113 homesites. Homes range in size from 1,400 to 2,400 square feet. Avalon Park Tavares homes are priced in the mid- to high $300s, subject to market demand. Soft sales began in early 2022; the sales center and single-family models opened in March. The Phase Two area encompasses 314 homesites. Although the land isn’t cleared yet, construction is scheduled to begin in July of this year. D.R. Horton has 118 Phase Two homesites, designated for 78 townhomes and 40 single-family homes, while Stanley Martin has 118 single-family homesites. Says Larret: “It’s really market driven. If the market keeps going as it is, I expect Construction on Phase Two would finish up shortly after Phase One, within two years.”

Streets leading into Avalon Park Tavares are already lined with young oak trees and black lantern-style lampposts. The land has strategically been contoured to offer select homesites a view (or a partial view) of Lake Hermosa. Sidewalks for pedestrians and dog walkers circle its blue waters. Nearby, a community swimming pool and a cabana and playground are planned. There’ll be plenty of greenspace as well. “We build everything within our communities to make them self-sufficient, so you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to,” Lerret says. A city center will take up some 18 acres in Phase Two, just off the lake between residential blocks. Restaurants, doctors’ offices, dry cleaners and hair salons are among the businesses targeted for the district. Apartments above retail establishments and senior living facilities are also in the plans. Lerret anticipates completion of the city center to roughly correlate with the completion of homes in Phase Two. A bonus for families with school-age children is Pinecrest Academy Tavares, a public charter school with an “A” rating within walking distance of the residential areas. The K-7 school will be adding 8th grade for the 2022-23 school year. Lerret likes to say that Avalon Park Tavares’s target market is everybody. She says: “Going back to our development principles, we want to build complete towns, with a housing product for everybody. People of all types of backgrounds, cultures and income levels will be living together and interacting together.” n —Patricia Letakis

D.R. Horton is building from its Express Homes collection in Avalon Park Tavares. Homes range in size from 1,504 to 2,447 square feet and are priced from $360,990. Interior features include spacious combined kitchens and family rooms.

SPRING 2022

PUBLISHER’S PICK: FLOORPLAN  THE HAMPTON BY PARK SQUARE HOMES

PARK SQUARE’S HAMPTON MODEL HAS A VIBE THAT’S EXPANSIVE, WELCOMING

Elevation A

Opt. Shower ILO Tub Elevation B & C

H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

hree generations have built Park Square Homes into one of Central Florida’s most recognized homebuilders. Since 1984, the company has been especially adept at discovering what buyers like — and delivering it. Today, almost 40 years later, that expertise has been applied to the Hampton, one of the company’s most popular models. The single-family, one-story home measures 2,375 square feet and boasts four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study and a two-car garage. Prices start in the $400s. Park Square is offering the Hampton in several communities throughout the region: Cypress Park Estates in Haines City, Summerbrooke in Mount Dora, Aviana in Davenport, Marisol Pointe in Apollo Beach and North River Ranch in Parrish. Enter the Hampton’s foyer and you encounter a view straight through the home, from the entrance to the lanai and backyard. The airy open space — measuring 56 feet in length — has 9-foot, 4-inch ceilings that contribute to its expansive, welcoming vibe. Directly off the foyer is a spacious study, or flex space, with optional French doors. It’s an ideal room in which to create a work-from-home office. The kitchen allows for a generously sized main island that’s not only functional with sinks and a dishwasher but can also serve as a casual dining space for a quick meal or snack. Two walls are home to 43-inch cabinets and plenty of counterspace where stainless-steel appliances are neatly incorporated into the design. The openness continues to flow into the dining room and great room, with ample space for both everyday living and entertaining. Then there’s the covered lanai. Step outside and the roofed porch offers extended living space and a comfy spot for enjoying fresh air and the prototypical Florida lifestyle. The beauty of the Hampton is that all three bedrooms and the owner’s suite are on one side of the home, easily separating private space from gathering space. The three bedrooms have access to two bathrooms — one with a shower and one with a tub. Buyers can choose a shower option for both. The owner’s suite features a huge closet and a luxurious bath with a raised vanity, dual sinks and a big walk-in shower with an optional built-in seat.  —Patricia Letakis

Enter the Hampton’s foyer (above) and you encounter a view straight through the home, from the entrance to the lanai and backyard. The pleasing elevation (bottom left) boasts clean lines, while the kitchen (bottom right) boasts a generously sized main island with sinks and a dishwasher. The island can also serve as a casual dining space for a quick meal or snack.

IN BRIEF  HOME: The Hampton  BUILDER: Park Square Homes  BEDROOMS/BATHROOMS: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms  SIZE: 2,375 square feet

 PRICE: Starting in the $400s  NOTES: Park Square Homes offers the Hampton in: Cypress Park Estates, Haines City; Summerbrooke, Mount Dora; Aviana, Davenport; Marisol Pointe, Apollo Beach and North River Ranch, Parrish. SPRING 2022

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in every way

A whole new region is taking shape. Exploring big ideas. About the meaning of home. The importance of town. And the power of nature. From the creators of Lake Nona.

Sunbridge is taking shape on property that’s rich in You’re invited. sunbridgefl.com history, mystery and unadulterated Old Florida beauty.

A whole new region is taking shape. Exploring big ideas. About the meaning of home. The importance of town. And the power of nature. From the creators of Lake Nona.

You’re invited. sunbridgefl.com

HOME CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION

BUYER

THERESA SWANSON Group Publisher/Director of Sales

It used to be that if you saw Deseret Ranch at all, the only people you’d likely encounter would be working cowboys. Now, with the advent of Sunbridge, there’ll be everyday folks enjoying a nature-focused lifestyle in their new homes.

RANDY NOLES Editor and Publisher PHYLLIS M. MILLER Director of Administration TINA ROBERS Art Director MYRON CARDEN Distribution Manager MICHAEL CANDELARIA Writer HARRY WESSEL Contributing Editor WIN TER PA R K P U B L I SH I NG COM PANY L LC RANDY NOLES Chief Executive Officer ALLAN E. KEEN Co-Chairman, Board of Managers JANE HAMES Co-Chairman, Board of Managers THERESA SWANSON Vice Chairman, Board of Managers MICHAEL OKATY, ESQ. General Counsel, Foley & Lardner LLP C O M M U N I TY P A RTNE RS Larry and Joanne Adams; The Albertson Company, Ltd.; Richard O. Baldwin Jr.; Jim and Diana Barnes; Brad Blum; Ken and Ruth Bradley; John and Dede Caron; Bruce Douglas; Steve Goldman; Hal George; Michael Gonick; Micky Grindstaff; Sharon and Marc Hagle; Larry and Jane Hames; Eric and Diane Holm; Garry and Isis Jones; Allan E. and Linda S. Keen; Knob Hill Group (Rick and Trish Walsh, Jim and Beth DeSimone, Chris Schmidt); FAN Fund; Kevin and Jacqueline Maddron; Drew and Paula Madsen; Kenneth J. Meister; Ann Hicks Murrah; Jack Myers; Michael P. O’Donnell; Nicole and Mike Okaty; Bill and Jody Orosz; Martin and Ellen Prague; Serge and Kerri Rivera; Jon C. and Theresa Swanson; Sam and Heather Stark; Randall B. Robertson; George Sprinkel; Philip Tiedtke; Roger K. Thompson; Ed Timberlake; Harold and Libby Ward; Warren “Chip” Weston; Tom and Penny Yochum; and Victor and Jackie A. Zollo.

M E M B E RS O F

Contact Us Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition 201 West Canton Avenue, Suite 125B Winter Park, Florida 32789 Phone: 407-647-0225 thefloridahomebuyer.com Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition Summer 2021 is published quarterly by Winter Park Publishing Company LLC, 201 West Canton Avenue, Suite 125B, Winter Park, Florida 32789. Copyright 2021 by Winter Park Publishing Company LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Send all correspondence to Homebuyer: Central Florida Edition, 201 West Canton Avenue, Suite 125B, Winter Park, Florida 32789. Unsolicited manuscripts without return postage will not be returned. DISCLAIMER: Advertisements in this publication do not constitute an offer for sale in any state or country where prohibited or restricted by law.

SUNBRIDGE HAS RANCHING ROOTS

he way Clint Beaty tells it, he almost has to pinch himself when he thinks about his workday. Beaty, senior vice president of operations at Tavistock Development Company, is in charge of the company’s newest mega-development. By strict definition, his job calls for leadership in shaping Sunbridge, which is set amid 27,000 acres of native Florida landscape across the Orange County line into northwest Osceola County. As such, those duties encompass everything from entitlements and planning for horizontal and vertical development to sales and leasing. Beaty’s job runs the gamut. And by all accounts, there are big plans for this emerging region, which is being touted as a “place of woods, water and wildlife yet so close to Metro Orlando.” Tavistock, a visionary company, says it will explore ideas about the “meaning of home” along with the “importance of town” and the “power of nature.” Yet, Beaty’s own view of his function is as a steward. Sunbridge sits on a portion of the more than 300,000 acres that make up Deseret Ranch — which for decades has been coveted by real estate developers. The ranch spans acreage along S.R. 528, the St. Johns River and U.S. Highway 192 — all Central Florida landmarks. It’s part of the massive local holdings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. SPECIAL REPORT: SUNBRIDGE

SB3

periences. It was, and remains, an established and conscientious industry leader that’s widely expected to deliver what it promises.

A RANCH WITH MySTIQUE

Clint Beaty, senior vice president of operations for Tavistock Development Company, feels a sense of honor and responsibility as Sunbridge takes shape on venerable private ranchland that most locals have never even seen.

But it couldn’t remain a ranch forever, smack dab in the middle of one of the fastest-growing regions of the country. And, gradually at first, development began. In 2016, Tavistock announced a plan that involved more than 4,700 acres off S.R. 528 in east Orange County plus more than 19,000 acres in Osceola County. The opening-phase proposal: 5,720 single-family homes and 1,650 multifamily units; 9 million square feet of commercial space (mostly offices); and 490 hotel rooms as well as 1,700 acres of preservation wetlands and upland buffers. A 2016 Tavistock press release promoted a “community focused on preservation and innovation, with diverse residential neighborhoods and employment centers with miles of connected trails surrounded by thousands of acres of preserved conservation network.” At the time, of course, Tavistock was (and still is) riding a wave of unbridled success at Lake Nona plus a portfolio of other nationally acclaimed communities, properties and exSB4

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Deseret Ranch was founded in 1950. When much of the property that today encompasses the ranch was purchased by the Mormons, it consisted mostly of wiregrass and cut-over timberland considered to be of low quality. With decades of effort, however, Deseret Ranch became a world-class operation for citrus, timber and beef cattle that was carefully managed for the long-term viability of wildlife populations. It’s a mosaic of pastures, citrus groves, wetlands and woodlands. In his own way, Beaty, who was raised in Orlando, wants to maintain that integrity. He got started on Sunbridge in the spring of 2015. That, he says, is when he began “bringing birth” to the development. “For me personally, having a hand in the development of the ranch is extremely special,” Beaty says. “I’m an old Florida guy, so looking at that landscape and being the caretaker of making sure that the development goes right and honors the heritage of that land — it really keeps me jazzed about the project.” Beaty adds: “To have the primary influence on the development of the ranch, and to put the Tavistock label on it, is an honor. It’s like, ‘This is amazing. We’re going to get to do this.’” He points to the allure of the property and the mystique behind it. “The land was always there,” he notes. “But, in some ways, unless you were on a hunting lease, it was always behind the fence. The public couldn’t see it. They didn’t know what it was.” Not surprisingly, Beaty is perhaps most jazzed about three natural waterways on the property: Lake Nona, Buck Lake and Red Lake. They flow into Lake Tohopekaliga and the Kissimmee River Basin before eventually finding their way to Lake Okeechobee. “What gets me really excited,” he says, “is to do development of this scale and protect the elements of nature, like the watershed and the water source.” For Beaty, his work is the continuation of a legacy. “This is not just a random parcel of land that a company is taking to develop and bring to market,” he says. “I think it has a chance to be really special.”

TAKING THE LONG VIEW Beaty isn’t alone in that assessment. Rob Adams, Tavistock’s vice president of residential development, shares Beaty’s belief in a deliberate, calculated approach to growth. The key, adds Adams, is being correct in making “moving decisions” on targets that often are elusive. “We’re really thinking a few years ahead and trying to figure out what the market will be for what product,” he notes. “Also, where we think demand is going to be for those future places.” 2 0 2 2

Sunbridge sits on a portion of the more than 300,000 acres that make up Deseret Ranch — which for decades has been coveted by real estate developers. But it couldn’t remain a ranch forever, smack dab in the middle of one of the fastest-growing regions of the country.

As a case study, Adams cites Tavistock’s 17-square-mile community of Lake Nona and its now-thriving town center, located approximately five miles from Sunbridge. A few years ago, as the ambitious plans for Lake Nona Town Center were being rolled out, not every development pro thought the company’s thinking was wholly sound, given the project’s scale and density. “Some people,” Adams says, “might have considered those plans a head-scratcher at the time.” Today, however, the town center boasts some 4 million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment space in addition to office buildings and hotel rooms. And Adams envisions the same promise at Sunbridge. “Just to see what’s occurred there in the past 10 years [throughout Lake Nona] is super meaningful,” he says. “And we have a similar blank canvas in front of us with Sunbridge.” Adams notes that Tavistock always takes the long view. “We’re going to be long-term owners of a lot of the commercial assets on site,” he says. “And so we’re really cognizant of trying to think ahead and be certain we’re not making a poor decision now that boxes us in on what we can do later.” Much of that responsibility rests squarely on Beaty’s experienced shoulders. In 2007, he left as a senior vice president at CNL Financial Group in Orlando to join Tavistock as a vice president. In December, he advanced to senior vice president of operations. Beaty has a proven track record of solving complex business

situations, breaking them down and putting them back together — and then making them profitable. And, as a nod to his community spirit, his resumé also includes time as director of development and finance for Give Kids the World in the late 1990s. Further, Beaty says he’s in good company, citing his Tavistock teammates. “It’s more about my team, because my whole career has been about having the right people around me and with me — and then empowering them to go do what they’re good at.” Also, of course, there’s a plan. “This is a big Rubik’s Cube; you can’t take all of it at once,” Beaty adds. “There was a lot of planning and a lot of entitlement work that had to get done before you ever think, ‘Hey, I wonder what color we’re going to make the pavers around the first amenity?’”

PLANNING FOR WHAT’S NEXT And, rest assured, there’ll be plenty of amenities in Sunbridge. For Beaty, though, that’s not the point — at least not yet, anyway. Instead, he hopes to “change the momentum of normal development” by striking just the right balance of building and environmental care. “I want to make that difference; that’s what I’m really focused on now,” he says. “Being a steward of one of the most important land assets in the Central Florida area — and shaping it for the future in a way that hopefully will be viewed as the beginning of a new approach to development — that’s what gets me up in the morning.” SPECIAL REPORT: SUNBRIDGE

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The old Deseret Ranch is today a mosaic of pastures, citrus groves, wetlands and woodlands. Rob Adams, Tavistock’s vice president of residential development, says he sees similar potential here to that of Lake Nona, the company’s ultra-successful master-planned community in east Orlando.

With Deseret Ranch’s land mass stretching more than 300,000 acres, there most assuredly will be a next for Sunbridge. The community’s initial 27,000 acres went through a comprehensive sector-planning process in 2010, even though development by Tavistock didn’t commence until half a decade later. Following that process, another 130,000 acres, to the immediate east of Sunbridge, were segmented for planning purposes. Called the North Ranch Sector, that acreage isn’t scheduled for any development until 2040. According to Osceola County’s North Ranch Sector Plan, the intent is to “proactively plan for and preserve regionally significant economic opportunities, natural resources and transportation corridors at a landscape scale.” Preparation of the Sector Plan is being closely coordinated with existing and proposed regional planning initiatives, including the Governor’s East Central Florida Corridor Task Force, the Northeast District Conceptual Master Plan, the Osceola County Expressway Authority Master Plan and the Osceola Parkway Extension PD&E Study, among others. All that can be said with certainty right now is that Sunbridge will continue to be one of the most significant masterplanned communities in the region, if not the state, for many years to come. “Most developers operate within a short window, say five to 10 years,” says Adams. “They can’t think about those big-picture things. They’re just really ready to move onto the next project. We’re not that here; we’re thinking about what it’s going to be in the future. And that’s very much the case at Sunbridge.” SB6

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RISING SUNBRIDGE The developer of Lake Nona seems to have hit another homer.

Holly and Leo Gampa (center, surrounded by their children) loved what they heard about Weslyn Park, the second residential neighborhood in Sunbridge. “Even if you knew you had to wait, the fact that you could be outdoors, go biking, go walking and eventually enjoy a marina with nightlife was enticing,” says Holly. “It’s really all-encompassing for what my husband and I are looking to do at this point in our lives.”

olly and Leo Gampa thought they had it all figured out. It was 2019, and with one son in the Navy, another in college and a third in high school, they decided to prepare for the next chapter in their lives by moving from Pennsylvania to Florida — more specifically, to Orlando. So, they purchased a home in St. Cloud. Then their plans began to change. “All of a sudden, we see this Sunbridge sign. We wondered, ‘What’s that?’” Holly says. The Gampas investigated. Holly remembers the precise day she first walked into the on-site sales office for David Weekley Homes at Weslyn Park, the second residential neighborhood being built in Sunbridge, a master-planned community by Tavistock Development Company. It was St. Patrick’s Day 2021. And the more the couple learned about the new community, which was just beginning to turn dirt off Narcoossee Road and Cyrils Drive near Lake

Nona — also developed by Tavistock — the more they liked it. Says Holly: “We thought, ‘My gosh, this sounds like what my husband and I were accustomed to back in the day — where you were commanded to go outside and really enjoy nature. It just had a great community feel.” The Gampas sold their house in St. Cloud last year and bought into Sunbridge, settling on David Weekley’s threebedroom, 2.5-bathroom Voyager model on a corner lot with a full lanai. While the home is being built, they returned up North with plans to return in the summertime and move in. “Even if you knew you had to wait, the fact that you could be outdoors, go biking, go walking and eventually enjoy a marina with nightlife was enticing,” adds Holly. “It’s really all-encompassing for what my husband and I are looking to do at this point in our lives.” SPECIAL REPORT: SUNBRIDGE

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Del Webb Sunbridge residents will gather in Hammock Club, a 22,000-square-foot, resort-style clubhouse now under construction. The clubhouse includes a ballroom, an indoor/outdoor tavern, a grille pavilion, an aerobic exercise studio and wet and dry craft rooms, among other components.

And there’s a bit more to the story. Holly’s mother, Eileen, who was living with the family in St. Cloud, bought a small villa in Del Webb Sunbridge, the community’s 55-plus neighborhood. Also, the Gampas bought a townhome in Lake Nona’s Laureate Park in preparation for their graduating high schooler to enroll at nearby Valencia College this fall. The family is a walking advertisement for Sunbridge and its appeal across generational boundaries. Let’s have a look at what’s happening and what’s coming up.

DEL WEBB SUNBRIDGE Del Webb Sunbridge broke ground in 2018 and welcomed its first residents in 2020. Del Webb, a pioneer developer of 55-plus communities, is a brand of PulteGroup Inc. And sales have been as hot as a Florida summer ever since. At the time of the opening, Clint Ball, president of PulteGroup’s North Florida division, had this to say: “Residents of Del Webb Sunbridge will enjoy an abundance of activities built around their interests. They’ll have many ways to engage in sports, hobbies and other healthy lifestyle pursuits.” Still sounds about right. The 700-acre active-adult community offers a variety of flexible single-family homes and villas priced from the $300s. A total of 1,350 single-family homes and villas are planned in the multiphase project — and more than 500 people are already living there. Amenities are highlighted by The Hammock Club, a 22,000SB8

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square-foot, resort-style clubhouse now under construction. The clubhouse includes a ballroom, an indoor/outdoor tavern, a grille pavilion, an aerobic exercise studio and wet and dry craft rooms, among other components. In addition, there’s an outdoor zero-entry pool along with a community garden, courts for tennis and pickleball, walking trails, sports fields and a playground for visiting grandkids. Plus, there’s a full-time lifestyle director who’ll help you stay as busy as you want to be. In essence, Del Webb Sunbridge promises a place to live for pre-retirement and retired boomers who want to continue to explore, grow and learn — with close proximity to state-of-theart healthcare. Nearby Lake Nona, often referred to as Medical City, houses the UCF Lake Nona Medical Center, AdventHealth Lake Nona, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Nemours Children’s Hospital. Also, early last year AdventHealth and Del Webb Sunbridge partnered to deliver new services in the form of fitness training, wellness classes and spa services as well as access to a wellness ambassador — which is exclusive to the community. As for the homes, think diverse options. Buyers may choose from three design collections and 13 design options, ranging from two to five bedrooms and two to five bathrooms with two- or three-car garages. The community’s Distinctive Series includes seven floorplans that range in size from 1,670 to 2,808 square feet. For 2 0 2 2

Del Webb’s Prosperity model (above) from its Distinctive Series has two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. At 1,670 square feet, it’s priced starting at $459,990. Interiors feature oversized windows for beautiful views and spacious island kitchens ideal for entertaining.

example, the Prestige model (priced from $427,990) is 2,080 square feet and offers two to three bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms and two- or three-car garages. The floorplan also includes walk-in closets. The Echelon Series has five floorplans that range in size from 2,269 to 3,452 square feet. For example, the Stardom plan (priced from $513,990) is 2,269 square feet and has two to three bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms and two- or threecar garages. The plan also features an expansive kitchen and covered lanais. At the higher end, the two-story, 3,453-square-foot Stellar Grand has options that include up to five bedrooms and five bathrooms with three-car garages. Its starting price is $593,490. The community’s Villa Series encompasses the Ellenwood, an attached villa home priced from the mid-$300s. The home measures 1,579 square feet in size with two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. Its floorplan is emblematic of the versatility and efficiency you’ll find from Del Webb: A formal entryway and foyer lead into an airy kitchen, café and gathering room. Just off the foyer is a flex room perfect for use as an office or den. The owner’s suite, which features a luxe bathroom and spacious walk-in closet, provides an ideal retreat. SPECIAL REPORT: SUNBRIDGE

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Del Webb’s Renown model from its Echelon series has three bedrooms, 3 to 3.5 bathrooms and a three-car garage. At 2,808 square feet, it’s priced from $626,990. The Echelon Series has five floorplans from which to choose.

And a second phase of Del Webb Sunbridge is on the way, which will include 452 new homes that will cover 230 acres. A third phase is planned, too — making this one active-adult community that’s, well, as active as its most engaged residents.

WESLYN PARK That’s all surely good news to Rob Adams, vice president of residential development at Tavistock. Adams views the success at Del Webb Sunbridge as a precursor for what’s to come at Weslyn Park, the second neighborhood in Sunbridge and first developed by Tavistock. “That high level of demand makes me feel more comfortable at the outset,” he says. “I feel good about this project just because we know we’ve had so much demand, and we’ve been working on this for a number of years.” In much the same way, Adams looks down the road at Tavistock’s Laureate Park, bustling with nearly 3,000 homes. “I get that same feeling as we go into Weslyn Park, seeing the potential of what’s there and knowing how it can grow over time,” he adds. Notably, while acknowledging that it’s early in the buying cycle at Weslyn Park, Adams foresees buyers that fit a similar profile to those at Laureate Park, as well as those at the Tavistock’s Isles of Lake Nona and Laurel Pointe. In other words, he sees buyers like the Gampas. SB10

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Rob Adams, vice president of residential development at Tavistock, says the high level of demand for Weslyn Park makes him even more optimistic about the project, where the first phase will encompass 577 homes.

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Weslyn Park has quite a variety of new styles from which to choose. Pulte Homes’ Bordeaux model (above) has two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. At 1,889 square feet, it’s priced starting at $531,990. David Weekley Homes’ Georgette model (below) has four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, one half bath and a three-car garage. At 3,100 square feet, the model’s price had not been released at press time because the home was not yet available.

SPECIAL REPORT: SUNBRIDGE

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Craft Homes’ Azalea model, part of its Botanic Series, has three bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms and a two-car garage. At 2,230 square feet, prices for this model had not been released at press time. Craft Homes is also offering models from its Frontier and Traverse Series in Weslyn Park.

Weslyn Park’s first phase will encompass 577 homes designed and built by a group of builders that includes Ashton Woods, David Weekley Homes, Craft Homes, Pulte homes and Toll Brothers. Each will feature a wide array of home styles — from townhomes to larger single-family homes — and an eclectic assortment of elevations. Many of the homes will boast covered front porches that welcome residents outdoors, while plentiful walkways will promote social connections throughout the neighborhood. In all, a trail network will connect to 60 acres of open space that include playgrounds, ponds and other amenities as well as large stretches of preservation areas. Another common theme: All homes in Weslyn Park will be wood-frame — not block — employing a blend of siding and trim choices as well as custom exterior color palettes. Adams says that wood-frame construction represents a more environmentally sustainable approach with less carbon impact and the added benefit of reducing construction times. Also notably, multiple models will have full solar roofs and buyers can expect lightning-fast internet by virtue of 10G capacity. Sunbridge, in fact, is the first community in Florida to offer 10G service. That capacity, according to Adams, is one benefit of what’s among the most robust technology infrastructures of any community in America. In turn, “over-the-top” (OTT) streaming service will be offered instead of traditional cable-TV. SB12

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Following the initial 577 homesites, a second phase of approximately 430 homesites is planned, prompting Adams to assert: “That’s just the beginning of Sunbridge. It’s just the beginning, and that’s exciting for me.” That excitement extends to the builders, too, such as Sam Abruzzo, division president for David Weekley Homes in Orlando. “We’re absolutely thrilled to be involved in this beautiful new community,” Abruzzo comments. “We believe that Weslyn Park will have all the charm and amenities that make a great neighborhood — and will be a great place for our buyers to call home.” David Weekley will be building 128 single-family homes — a blend of coastal craftsman and modern farmhouse styles — situated on 34- and 50-foot homesites. The community will offer 12 one- and two-story floorplans, ranging in size from 1,650 to 3,000 square feet and priced from the $400s. Meanwhile, Ashton Woods has plans for single-family homes priced from the $500s and townhomes priced from the $400s. Craft Homes will have townhomes priced from the high $300s and single-family homes priced from the mid-$400s. Pulte will build single-family homes priced from the mid-$400s, while Toll Brothers will price its single-family homes from the $500s. Looking at the big picture, perhaps Holly Gampa, the proud homeowner, sums things up best about Sunbridge: “It was a long journey and a journey worth going along.” 2 0 2 2

SUNBRIDGE AT A GLANCE

• Developed by Tavistock Development Corporation, the visionaries behind Lake Nona.

• Phase 1 consists of 27,000 acres of native Florida landscape across the Orange County line into the northwest region of Osceola County.

• Plans call for 22,700 single-family homes, 13,990 apartments and 6,000 hotel rooms along with more than 11 million square feet of office space and 3.9 million square feet of industrial space.

• Other major components are the Marina Village and an employment center with up to 1.75 million square feet of offices.

• Del Webb (55-plus) and Weslyn Park are the first of six major neighborhoods that make up the nearly 4,600 residential units planned for Phase 1.

• Phase 2, in northeast Osceola County, will be four times the size of Phase 1. Construction is expected to start in 2024.

• Phase 1 and Phase 2 are expected to support 21,000 jobs.

• Buildout is not expected until 2055. • Coming much sooner: a new Osceola County K-8 school, scheduled to open in 2024

SPECIAL REPORT: SUNBRIDGE

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IT’S ‘NATUREHOOD’ Sunbridge will have the amenities you’d expect. But perhaps the most important ones are lakes, canals and miles of trails.

Throughout the Tavistock Development Company, Sunbridge already has a nickname: “Naturehood.” Says Rob Adams, Tavistock’s director of residential development: “We gave it that name because when you get on-site, you really feel closer to nature.” Sunbridge’s main entry off Cyrils Drive is treelined. Conservation areas abound, as does water. The property features three natural lakes with navigable manmade canals connecting them, creating a chain that will serve as the center of the community’s under-construction Marina Village. So, essentially, a canal network will connect Marina Village to a chain of natural lakes. Adams calls the marina area, including its 40-plus acre basin, a community centerpiece that will “activate water access in a new way for the region” for dining and recreation. An aquatic and fitness center is in the work as well. “It’s very different,” he adds. “These are nice waterways, and you get to the lakes, which are pristine and quite lovely. That’s something you don’t really see in Central Florida — other than water parks or a chain of lakes.” Water use of another kind will come into play on a home landscape plan that will emphasize conservation. Throughout Sunbridge, native plantings will predominate, particularly within the Weslyn Park neighborhood. Homebuilders, Adams says, quickly bought into the idea. SB14

SPECIAL REPORT: SUNBRIDGE

“They’ve really embraced it in a way I did not anticipate,” he notes. “And seeing it in action onsite, I’ve been super happy with it.” Then there are the trails. Tavistock’s Lake Nona encompasses approximately 44 miles of trails. Similarly, the community of Sunbridge will be crisscrossed with walkways, wide paths and natural trails that will be connected to a regional trail network. Even the community’s welcome center, called Basecamp, has adopted a nature theme. It will span 31 acres and feature an outdoor pavilion along with the first two miles of trails that will wind through the community. Also, the center will provide information about the neighborhoods, builders and amenities. In February, Tavistock opened a temporary version of Basecamp, anchored by a pair of yurts (round, tent-like structures). The intention is to literally sell an outdoor lifestyle. The permanent center will be constructed later as part of the Marina Village. Sunbridge, in sum, promises to be a place that values residents’ most important connections — “family, friends and nature.” Concludes Adams: “Sunbridge is designed to give people unprecedented access to natural oak forests, lakes, wetlands and waterways. And it will carefully weave homes, parks and recreational amenities with business and civic uses.” 2 0 2 2

The under-construction Marina Village and its 40-plus acre basin will be a community centerpiece that will offer access via three man-made canals to three natural lakes. An aquatic and fitness center is in the works as well.

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find your calm

L A U R E AT E PA R K I N L A K E N O N A Brightly colored bungalows, townhomes, cottages and estate homes from six homebuilders priced from the high $200s to over $1 million

Waterleigh

Happy Place FIND YOUR

IN HORIZON WEST

D.R. HORTON Single-Family Homes 10 plans to choose from 3-4 Bedrooms 2-Car Garages 1,689 - 3,328 Sq. Ft.^ from the low $400s*

MULTI-FAMILY

2-Story Townhomes 2 plans to choose from 3 Bedrooms 1-Car Garages 1,567 - 1,817 Sq. Ft.^ from the mid $300s*

EMERALD HOMES

Estate Homes 5 plans to choose from 3-5 Bedrooms 3-Car Garages 2,350 - 3,911 Sq. Ft.^ from the mid $500s*

Waterleigh • 10482 Atwater Bay Drive, Winter Garden FL 34787 D.R. Horton is equal housing opportunity builder. *Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Pictures, photographs, features, colors and sizes are approximate for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. ^Square footage dimensions are approximate. Certified Builder Contractor License Number CBC1252212

OUR TOWNS THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN CENTRAL FLORIDA. LET’S TAKE A TOUR AND YOU CAN SEE FOR YOURSELF. BY MICHAEL CANDALARIA

Orlando’s compact but lively downtown is highlighted by its iconic fountain on Lake Eola in the city’s signature park.

Central Florida features an array of options for living, working and playing.

H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

Orange County is home to a roster of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, including Walt Disney World . That’s Cinderella’s Castle, of course, which looms near the park’s entry.

And, of course, there are the internationally known theme parks and attractions, as well as the beaches and generally boundless scenic beauty. There are thriving industries, too — including agriculture, advanced manufacturing, innovative technologies and corporate headquarters, as well as logistics and aerospace, life sciences and healthcare, aerospace and defense. That’s just for starters. So, take your pick. Chances are very good that what you’re looking for is here — and it’s here to stay. Following is a countyby-county primer of regional highlights.

Orange County At a Glance Land Area: 1,004 square miles Population: 1,420,000 2010-2020 Population Growth: 25% 2025 Projected Population Growth: 1,573,001 Mean Travel Time to Work (Minutes): 28.2 Mean Household Income: $54,335 Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 34.6%

SPRING 2022

STATISTICS: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2020

hroughout Central Florida, like the multitudes of new residents who arrive each week, the accolades are steady and significant. The newcomers? At last count, more than 1,000 people move each week to Central Florida. In fact, the region has been adding at least that many people every week for the past 60 years, according to the Orlando Economic Partnership. Just imagine. The accolades? As only a cursory sampling, they include being ranked the No. 4 Best Market in U.S. for Development Opportunities (CBRE, 2021) and No. 1 in the country for Job Growth (U.S. Department of Labor, 2015-2018). Plus, it’s Florida — with all the lifestyle attributes for which the Sunshine State is known. Simply put, people love to live in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties — along with Brevard, Lake, Polk and Volusia counties — for many reasons. The state’s center offers something for everyone. The counties and their neighborhoods span a broad spectrum of settings. There are urban cores and charming retreats. There are rolling hills and tree-lined canopies in both old and emerging communities. There is rich history, ample character and continual change.

At more than 31,000 acres, Lake Apopka is the third-largest lake in Florida. Ongoing restoration efforts by the St. Johns River Water Management District and Orange and Lake counties have improved the water quality and helped return the lake to its longtime position as one of Central Florida’s most important natural resources.

Apopka Apopka’s roots, literally and figuratively, are in agriculture. However, this booming city of more than 50,000 residents, located in the northwest corner of Orange County, now encompasses some of the region’s most exclusive housing addresses. The region was settled in the 1840s and named after the Timucuan Indian word meaning “big potato,” or potato-eating place. Ironically, the farms that still surround the city grow just about everything but potatoes. Noted as “The Indoor Foliage Capital of the World,” Apopka’s foliage industry is a multimillion-dollar business. Cut flowers, blooming plants, roses and bulbs are also grown in abundance. Yet, agriculture is rapidly vanishing as dozens of muck farms, created when Lake Apopka was diked during World War II, were purchased by the state and shut down in an effort to restore the polluted body of water to a pristine state.

College Park Although its residents may be getting younger, much about this beloved Orlando neighborhood, which was platted in the 1920s, remains the same. The 80-year-old commercial district along Edgewater Drive has always been home to an array of delightful mom-and-pop shops and eclectic eateries. The streets have always been quiet and the homes well-kept and charming. Much of the talk of College Park these days continues to be about maintaining the Mayberryesque character of the area versus the further development of large-scale condominium and retail projects. In recent years, that’s been a seesaw battle

H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

because of its prime location adjacent to downtown Orlando.

Gotha If you’re not a horticulturist, perhaps you’ve never heard of Gotha, a tiny rural enclave located inconspicuously north of upscale Windermere. But if plants are your passion, you may know Gotha as the one-time caladium capital of the world and home of Henry Nehrling, a horticulturist who specialized in growing tropical and subtropical plants. Nehrling, who moved to Gotha in 1884, established one of the most renowned botanical gardens in the world, as well as an experimental agriculture station for the study of exotic strains of bamboo, amaryllis, bromeliad, orchid, Ficus and, of course, the caladium, which Nehrling was the first in Florida to grow and sell. Gotha’s tree-shaded, one-block commercial district features the circa-1920 New Life at Zion Lutheran Church. And across the street is Yellow Dog Eats, a funky restaurant that occupies a circa-1879 structure that had previously been a private home and a general store. The unincorporated town borders Windermere and Winter Garden.

Maitland Since the 1960s, Maitland (population 17,000), has been a quintessential bedroom community. Some of the area’s first suburbs were built there to attract young families looking for large lawns and good schools. In the late 1970s, a sprawling office park called Maitland

Center was built near the Interstate 4 interchange, also giving the city a distinctive business identity. In recent decades, other large mixed-use projects were developed throughout the city, giving Maitland’s somewhat nebulous downtown district a more cohesive look. Also in Maitland is Enzian Theater, the region’s only art-house cinema. The arts scene is further strengthened by the Art Center at Maitland, founded in 1937 by sculptor André Smith. The center was originally intended to be a compound where artists could live and work. The center, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features an open-air chapel that has become a popular place for weddings. Maitland has plenty of other history. It was established in 1838 as Fort Maitland, named in honor of Capt. William S. Maitland, a hero of the Second Seminole War. Adjacent to Maitland is Eatonville (population 2,147), founded in 1887. It’s thought to be the oldest city in the country incorporated by African Americans. Folklorist Zora Neale Hurston lived in Eatonville for a time and wrote about the community in books such as Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Oakland More than 100 years ago, Oakland was the industrial and social hub of Orange County. Today, the picturesque town, which lies two miles west of Winter Garden on the southern shores of Lake Apopka, is home to approximately 3,500 people. Elected officials still refer to Oakland as a town, although it was incorporated as a city in 1959. The city designation does seem a bit incongruous for this rural enclave, where voters have rejected proposals to pave the narrow clay streets for fear

that more people might want to drive on them. Still, change is coming — with new housing communities popping up in and around the area. Among the city’s assets is the 22-mile West Orange Trail, a mecca for hikers and bikers beginning in Oakland and stretching northeast to Apopka along the original Orange Belt and Florida Midland rail beds. Oakland is also home to the 93-acre Oakland Nature Preserve, where wildlife abounds and paths and boardwalks line the shores of Lake Apopka.

Ocoee Ocoee remained an isolated citrus town clustered around Starke Lake until the 1980s. Now, with roughly 48,000 residents, it’s neck-and-neck with Winter Garden for the third most populous city in Orange County, behind Orlando and Apopka. The transformation began three decades ago, when devastating freezes destroyed thousands of acres of citrus trees and opened west Orange and south Lake counties for development. Today, Ocoee boasts a one-million-square-foot regional mall and at least three dozen subdivisions with homes in all price ranges. Ocoee’s beginnings were inauspicious. In the mid-1850s a physician named J.D. Starke led a group of enslaved people into the area and established a camp along the western shores of the lake that now bears his name. Captain Bluford Sims, who hailed from Ocoee, Tennessee, arrived in 1861 and bought 50 acres from Starke. He then platted what would become downtown Ocoee. Through the years, Ocoee developed into a thriving citrus-

The Central Florida arts scene is strengthened by the Art Center at Maitland, founded in 1937 by sculptor André Smith. The center, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features an open-air chapel that has become a popular place for weddings.

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Southern elegance describes the historic Withers-Maguire House in Ocoee, a fast-growing town with vestiges of its history. Built in 1888, the house is of a Gothic Stick style with beautiful heart-pine floors throughout the interior. The house was purchased in 1979 by the city of Ocoee and meticulously restored to its current beauty and charm.

producing center. Today, however, housing is the city’s hottest commodity. Florida’s Turnpike, State Road 408 (formerly known as the East-West Expressway) and State Road 429 (the Western Beltway) all pass through the city, meaning once-remote downtown Orlando is a much shorter commute. At the same time, Ocoee retains vestiges of days gone by. For example, there’s the circa-1890 Ocoee Christian Church, with its gothic architecture and Belgian-made stained-glass windows, and a quaint downtown district boasting several vintage buildings.

Downtown Orlando Downtown continues to bustle. During the building frenzy of the early 2000s, scarcely a week passed without a new major condominium development being announced for the oncesleepy district. Then, with the economic downturn of 2007, growth slowed before roaring back. In recent years, with construction of an arena (Amway Center), a performing arts center (Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts) and a soccer stadium (Exploria Stadium), plus the renovation of a football stadium (Camping World), downtown is booming with residential and commercial activity, while the expansion of Interstate 4 (the I-4 Ultimate Project) promises even more growth. Orlando’s history dates to 1838 and the height of the Seminole Wars. The U.S. Army built Fort Gatlin south of the present-day Orlando city limits to protect settlers from attacks by Indians. By 1840, a small community had grown up around the fort. It was called Jernigan, for a pioneering family who had estab-

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lished the first permanent settlement in the area. Patriarch Aaron Jernigan established the settlement’s first post office in 1850. Six years later, the community officially changed its name to Orlando. The Town of Orlando was incorporated in 1875 with 85 inhabitants, 22 of whom were qualified voters. It’s unclear where the name came from, although some historians believe that a local judge named it for a character in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Orlando proper, somewhat surprisingly, is not a particularly large city with 300,700 residents. The Orlando Metro Area, defined as encompassing Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole and Volusia counties, contains more than 2.7 million people, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in Florida and the seventh-largest in the Southeast.

Southeast Orlando At roughly 100 square miles, the region generally referred to as southeast Orlando encompasses the University of Central Florida, Orlando International Airport and an array of masterplanned communities, as well as stretches of pastureland, piney forests and wetlands abutting the Econlockhatchee River. The remaining rural areas are rapidly vanishing as the pace of growth accelerates, particularly in the form of those large master-planned communities that contain a mixture of singlefamily and multifamily homes clustered around retail and commercial development. Most notable is sprawling Lake Nona, consisting of residential, commercial, education and healthcare development, making it a prototypical modern metropolis. Lake Nona is among the top-selling master-planned commu-

In 2021, downtown Orlando saw completion of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, a worldclass performing arts campus that features three distinct venues. Downtown is also booming with residential and commercial activity, while the expansion of Interstate 4 (the I-4 Ultimate Project) promises even more growth.

nities in the U.S. with more than 17,000 residents. Measuring 17 square miles, the 11,000-acre community is one-fourth the size of Washington, D.C., and three-fourths the size of Manhattan. One of the fastest-growing master-planned communities in the U.S., Lake Nona — which is being developed by Tavistock Development Company in south Orlando — is recognized for its thoughtfully designed neighborhoods, top-rated education facilities, leading-edge business and research clusters, and diverse retail and entertainment centers. Bisected by State Road 417, Lake Nona sits southeast of the Orlando International Airport and just north of Osceola County. While thousands of residents call Lake Nona home, there also are many nonresidential projects in the community — and many more on the way. When Lake Nona began to emerge about 15 years ago, the idea of investing in a community 25 miles from downtown Orlando may have seemed like a gamble. But the once-remote area has since filled with more new residents and businesses of every variety. At the intersection of Lake Nona Boulevard and Tavistock Lakes Boulevard, the Lake Nona Town Center encompasses hotels, offices, restaurants and apartment buildings. Plans call for the open-air, urban district to eventually contain 4 million square feet of entertainment, shopping and dining space. Boxi Park Lake Nona is in the Town Center just south of State Road 417 on Lake Nona Boulevard. It offers a mix of restaurants and bars, beach volleyball courts and a live entertainment venue to create an outdoor entertainment destination built using 14 repurposed shipping containers arranged in one- and two-story configurations.

Among the first of its kind on the East Coast, the 30,000square-foot park is family- and dog-friendly. Customers can find food and beverage options showcasing different cuisines, along with two full-service bars serving a selection of cocktails. A beer garden features its own craft beer line. Visitors have several hotel choices with Marriott: Courtyard for short-term guests and Residence Inn for long-term stays. The Town Center buildings are adjacent and share a lobby. Each hotel offers more than 100 rooms and fitness centers. Nearing completion is the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, which will be the Town Center’s crown jewel. With its curvilinear glass edges jutting 17 stories skyward, the hotel has 239 guest rooms and the brings the community new entertainment options with a restaurant, lounge and a pool that may be visited by locals. Phase II of the Town Center will feature the 110,000-squarefoot Lake Nona Wellness Center. The facility will feature a medically based fitness program, sports performance training, physician offices and community education spaces for Lake Nona residents, families and employees as well as elite athletes. The center will also feature first-class equipment and on-demand fitness programs from Lake Nona partner Technogym. Amenities will include childcare facilities with outdoor play, a daylighted public concourse and an indoor/outdoor demonstration kitchen. In addition, there’ll be an indoor climbing wall, indoor and outdoor pools, an outdoor classroom, outdoor training turf, a wellness plaza, a zen garden and a sports performance area with a 40-yard sprint track. Lake Nona’s health and life sciences cluster, also known as SPRING 2022

Southeast Orlando’s Lake Nona is among the top-selling master-planned communities in the U.S. with more than 17,000 residents. Measuring 17 square miles, the 11,000-acre community is about three-fourths the size of Manhattan.

Medical City, is home to top medical and research facilities, including the University of Central Florida Health Sciences Campus and the Lake Nona Cancer Center as well as Nemours Children’s Hospital, the University of Florida Research & Academic Center and the Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Together they provide a unique collection of research, education and medical care options — all state-of-the-art. So let’s have a look at what, exactly, Medical City has to offer. The UCF Health Sciences campus includes several facilities. Established in 2006, the UCF College of Medicine is one of the first U.S. medical schools in decades to be built from the ground up. Included is a 170,000-square-foot medical education facility, which features the latest in lab and classroom technology, as well as the 198,000-square-foot Burnett Biomedical Sciences building. The college is unique nationally because of the large undergraduate and graduate programs in biomedicine offered through the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences. The Burnett School boasts almost 3,000 undergraduates — making biomedical sciences the third most popular major at UCF. In addition, the 204,709-square-foot UCF Lake Nona Medical Center — a partnership hospital between HCA Healthcare’s North Florida Division and UCF Academic Health — has opened adjacent to the medical school. The 100-bed teaching hospital provides healing for patients throughout Central Florida and beyond. It also educates healthcare providers of the future and supports the work of brilliant medical researchers that will lead to lifesaving care.

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Near the hospital is the 175,000-square-foot UCF Lake Nona Cancer Center, which houses cancer researchers, clinical trials and treatment for patients. And there are other key components of Medical City. The 1.2 million-square-foot Orlando VA Medical Center serves the region’s 400,000 veterans by providing acute care, complex specialty care, advanced diagnostic services, and a large multispecialty outpatient clinic as well as administrative and support services. The VA facility is also home to the SimLEARN National Simulation Center, which is dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare services for veterans through the application of simulation-based learning strategies to clinical workforce development. The University of Florida Research and Academic Center at Lake Nona is a 110,000-square-foot facility where basic, clinical and translational research in drug discovery and development takes place. UF’s center also houses a nationally ranked Doctorate in Pharmacy program. The 92,000-square-foot GuideWell Innovation Center, located near the UF facility, is a medical innovation hub for startups and healthcare entrepreneurs. The three-story building includes co-working space for startups on the first floor and houses clinical and research companies on the upper floors. Designed to promote collaboration and acceleration of groundbreaking ideas, the center provides the resources and collaborative environment innovators need to develop new solutions — and the connections to take concepts to market. The 30,000-square-foot, first-floor collaboration space of-

Lake Nona’s health and life sciences cluster, also known as Medical City, is home to top medical and research facilities, including the University of Central Florida Health Sciences Campus. Nearby are the Lake Nona Cancer Center, the Nemours Children’s Hospital, the University of Florida Research & Academic Center and the Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

fers leaders from around the globe access to the best thinking in health innovation. Also in the building: exhibit space for new medical technology, a presentation venue, a video production studio, a nutrition lab and meeting space. The Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute is a 35,000-square-foot global training center for the company’s employees. Also available through the institute are services to help everyone from athletes to executives be more productive and perform at their personal best in high-stress situations. The institute’s campus includes the Corporate Athlete Course, a conference center, comprehensive testing and diagnostic facilities, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a worldclass tennis center. The 630,000-square-foot Nemours Children’s Hospital is part of a state-of-the-art health campus that also includes Nemours Children’s Clinic, an ambulatory diagnostic center and extensive research and education facilities. Healing gardens, nature trails, pet therapy areas and water features help create a peaceful environment that fosters both mental and physical healing. Big Four professional services firm KPMG selected Lake Nona for its national training center from a competitive field of 50 prospective cities nationwide. The high-tech campus opened in early 2020 and focuses on enhancing the skills and services of KPMG professionals through immersive training in cutting-edge classroom and field environments. About 50,000 employees worldwide will train each year in various accounting disciplines. Opened last summer, the Lake Nona Performance Club is

130,000 square feet — big enough to hold several grocery stores. The concept is a 360-degree approach to health for everyone from infants to seniors, with specialized equipment for rehabbing injured athletes. Aquatics include a leisure pool, lap pool and whirlpool. The studio space for yoga, barre and Pilates is larger than most houses. The gymnasium features basketball and volleyball courts. And Lake Nona has partnered with Chopra Global, a leading whole-health company founded by wellness guru and bestselling author Deepak Chopra, to create the Chopra MindBody Zone and Spa. On Adventure Lake adjacent to the City of Orlando’s Heroes City Park, the Nona Adventure Park is a watersports park that features a two-track Rixen Cable System for water-skiers and wakeboarders. It also offers an aqua park with a series of floating pathways, climbing obstacles, slides and trampolines. There’s even a summer camp, which pretty much always sells out. In addition, the park has a pro shop as well as a 60-foot climbing tower with a ropes course and climbing walls. The Wi-Fi-enabled main entrance houses an upscale café with food and beverages, and a dry seating area for spectators. The largest tennis facility in the country, the USTA National Campus features 100 courts and innovative developmental programs that make it a training destination for professional, collegiate and amateur players. Home to thousands of training players and teams and to hundreds of tournaments each year, the 64-acre campus is open to the public and serves all levels of play for all ages. The SPRING 2022

The largest tennis facility in the country, the USTA National Campus features 100 courts and innovative developmental programs that make it a training destination for professional, collegiate and amateur players. Home to thousands of training players and teams and to hundreds of tournaments each year, the 64acre campus is open to the public and serves all levels of play for all ages. The campus has hosted 675,000 visitors and attendees since opening in 2017.

campus has hosted 675,000 visitors and attendees since opening in 2017. Current and former professionals who have visited, trained, coached and played at the facility include James Blake, CiCi Bellis, the Bryan Brothers, Jim Courier, Chris Evert, Ivan Lendl, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Madison Keys, Billie Jean King, Jack Sock, Frances Tiafoe and David Young. The facility was selected as the host site of the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships in 2019 and 2021, as well as the NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships in 2022. XL Soccer World plans to open a new 50,000-square-foot indoor athletic complex off Narcoossee Road, near Valencia College’s Lake Nona campus. The facility will feature two, sixversus-six 4G boarded turf fields and two multisurface fields. There’ll be camps, adult leagues, a mini sports academy for youngsters (soccer, basketball, baseball and flag football). In addition, there’ll be Youth Soccer programs and even an XL National Team consisting of selected players who’ll have an opportunity to compete in Europe. Construction is underway on a Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital with 60 beds and a potential for double that number. The new hospital will focus on “medically complex” rehabilitation solutions in concert with Lake Nona’s Medical City.

Windermere Nestled among the spring-fed Butler Chain of Lakes, the cozy town of Windermere has emerged as one of the hottest housing markets in Florida and the Southeast. With Lake Butler on the west, Lake Down on the east and

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Lake Bessie on the southeast, Windermere is a verdant peninsula where many of the homes are on the shoreline. Not coincidentally, Windermere and the area surrounding it encompasses some of Central Florida’s most upscale new communities, home to businesspeople, entrepreneurs and athletes. The lakes, in fact, attracted one of Windermere’s first investors, Joseph Hill Scott. Scott’s son, Stanley, homesteaded the property and supposedly named it after Lake Windermere in England. Little changed until 1910, when a pair of Ohio investors named D.H. Johnson and J. Calvin Palmer bought all the land they could piece together and formed the Windermere Improvement Company for the purpose of developing it. Some old homes and buildings have been preserved and add to the charm of this small town — yes, it’s a town, not a city — nestled among the ancient oaks on an isthmus between lakes Down and Butler. Although the main drag is paved, most of the residential streets in Windermere proper aren’t — which is just the way the residents like it. But, of course, that’s “Old Windermere.” The ritzy gated communities, such as Isleworth, known for its profusion of professional athletes, are in unincorporated Orange County despite their Windermere mailing address.

Winter Garden It was 1857 when W.C. Roper was riding through the backwoods of west Orange County on horseback, seeking a place to build a home for his family waiting back in Georgia. Roper bought 600 acres along the shore, between presentday Winter Garden and Oakland, and returned a year later with his wife and 10 children.

While much of “Old Windermere” has looked the same for generations, like the historic Town Hall, the area around the quaint, lake-dotted community is now dotted with upscale custom-home neighborhoods.

The ambitious settler operated a sawmill, a gristmill, a sugar mill and a cotton gin. Later, he built a tannery for making shoes and served as Orange County’s superintendent of schools from 1873 to 1877. Fast-forward to the 1920s, when Roper’s son Frank planted the area’s first orange trees, marking the humble beginnings of an industry that would sustain and define Winter Garden, which had been incorporated in 1903, for the next six decades. Fast-forward again to the 1980s, when devastating freezes destroyed thousands of acres of citrus. Developers began buying up decimated groves for new homes, creating new subdivisions seemingly overnight. Then came a brilliant project called Rails to Trails, through which abandoned rail beds across the country were converted into hiking and biking trails. The popular West Orange Trail passes directly through Winter Garden, thus converting the all-but-forgotten city into an oasis for thousands of ready-to-spend strollers. And most are charmed by what they see. As a result, Winter Garden is blossoming anew — this time as a scenic place to live in literally dozens of new communities. Today the rustic-chic city of 48,000 is a destination for visitors, residents and businesses. Incorporated in 1908, Winter Garden sits on the southern shore of Lake Apopka and is 20 minutes west of Orlando. One of the most picturesque of any in the region, Winter Garden’s downtown district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. It covers about 100 acres in the general area of Woodland, Tremaine, Henderson and Lakeview streets. West Plant Street, which runs east and west through the district, is home to several dining and shopping choices. In

addition, the popular Winter Garden Farmers Market sets up downtown each Saturday. It has been recognized as one of the country’s best farmers’ markets by the American Farmland Trust. Plant Street Market, housing more than 20 merchants including the popular Crooked Can microbrewery, opened in 2014 on the site of a demolished apartment complex. The market houses farm-to-table restaurants, a bakery, a butcher, a chocolatier, a wine bar and various sellers of artisanal food items. The $2 million project extended downtown’s footprint beyond City Hall and further solidified Winter Garden’s reputation as a foodie’s dream and as a reminder of the city’s long history with agriculture. In addition, the New York Beer Project, a New York-based brewery, last year broke ground for its new 24,000-square-foot facility. The project, located on the corner of Seidel Road and Seton Creek Boulevard, will feature a gastropub, an indoor beer garden, a tap room, a sidewalk bistro and three Big Apple-themed event spaces. An icon of downtown Winter Garden is the restored Garden Theatre, a circa-1930s movie house. Now a performing-arts center, it hosts live theater, dance and musical programs as well as the annual Starlight Film Festival. In addition, the city partnered with the Winter Garden Arts Association to convert the old Boyd Street Fire Station into a hub for visual art that now houses a gallery and a teaching facility. It’s the first step toward creation of an Art and Design District, which will offer artists both living space and studio space. The city’s Heritage Foundation operates two museums: The Winter Garden Heritage Museum, located in the old Atlantic Coast Line Depot, and the Central Florida Railroad Museum, SPRING 2022

Winter Garden, in West Orange County, is considered one of the region’s coolest small cities, with a funky downtown historic district filled with mom-and-pop eateries and intriguing boutiques. The West Orange Trail runs through the center of town.

located in the old Tavares & Gulf Railroad Depot. Both museums offer free admission. Residents and visitors looking for a special night out can visit the critically acclaimed Chef’s Table at the Edgewater Hotel on Plant Street. Diners and shoppers have even more choices in the Winter Garden Village, located off Daniels Road and just northwest of State Road 429. Winter Garden and Ocoee, its neighbor to the east, are developing an economic corridor that connects their downtowns. Their goal is to turn a six-mile roadway, called East Plant Street in Winter Garden and West Franklin Street in Ocoee and populated by warehouses and auto repair shops, into inviting city gateways at the State Road 429 interchange.

West Orange County While Orlando’s sunrise side burgeons with fast-growing Lake Nona and seam-busting UCF, the region’s sunset side has emerged as just as much of a hot spot. Horizon West is home to five unique villages and a town center situated on the center of 28,000 acres — that’s just under 32 square miles, which is nearly the size of neighboring Walt Disney World. The village-centric design means that homes will be nearby a commercial village center, walkable schools and public parks, where wide pathways connect everything. Green spaces and nature preserves are found along pathways and throughout each village. Split-rail fences and orangecrate relief art distinguish community thoroughfares.

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That wasn’t the case decades ago, when Horizon West was home mostly to thousands of acres of orange groves. Repeated freezes in the late 1980s set into motion a plan by landowners to develop the vast acreage, where citrus farming was no longer viable. The landowners, mostly growers, presented an intelligent and comprehensive plan to Orange County that was unprecedented in its sheer scope. Horizon West began to take form when the plan was adopted in 1995. Six villages were proposed, which are now known as Lakeside, Bridgewater, Town Center, the Seidel area (Village F), Hickory Nut (Village H) and Ovation (Village I). Later came Hamlin, which included a town center with more than 2 million square feet of mixed-use commercial space and up to 4,870 residential units at buildout. The town center is already ringed with residential communities. Development of a 3,624-acre central area, which spans all four quadrants of the State Road 429 exchange, will take up to a decade to fully complete and will act as a destination for the entire region with components that encompass dining, entertainment, offices, hotels, medical, wellness, shopping, housing and education. Horizon West’s villages have been approved for 40,282 residential units, making the projected population at buildout 100,705. Because of faster than anticipated growth, it’s already more than halfway complete, according to county officials, and is currently home to about 25,000 people. Clearly, there are plenty of reasons why West Orange County is attracting buyers in droves. One of those reasons might be the lingering

Park Avenue is the dining and retail hub of Winter Park, and one of the most eclectic commercial districts in all of Florida. It’s anchored by Central Park, a carefully manicured, 11-acre green space dotted with monuments to the city’s history.

social impact of COVID-19. Workers who are no longer tied to the daily demands of commuting have opted for larger homes and more manageable mortgages than they might get in more established areas closer to office parks and central business districts. Schools are also starting to keep pace with growth. An ambitious building program backed largely by a half-penny sales tax has helped ease the overcrowding. And Horizon West on its own has driven a major expansion of public schools.

Winter Park Once a haven for artists, writers and some of the most influential families in the country, Winter Park was promoted in the late 1800s as a refuge for “the cultured and wealthy.” Those early boosters would almost certainly be pleased to see how it all turned out. Today, the city is home to 70-plus parks and nearly as many oak trees (20,000) as residents (approximately 31,000). Its eight square miles encompass lovely old homes, an upscale shopping district, a prestigious liberal arts college, a plethora of galleries and museums and street signs that admonish motorists to “drive with extraordinary care.” The heart of Winter Park is Park Avenue, stretching 10 blocks and boasting more than 100 shops, from upscale national retailers to one-of-a-kind boutiques. In addition, the downtown shopping district has spread west on New England Avenue as posh apartments and retail stores have sprung up. On the north end of Park Avenue is the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, showcasing the world’s larg-

est collection of Tiffany glass. Several blocks farther west is Winter Park Village, a retail and entertainment complex on U.S. Highway 17-92. Year-round the city is alive with festivals and special events, highlighted by the renowned Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. On the shores of Lake Virginia is beautiful Rollins College, one of the highest rated liberal arts colleges in the country. Recent big projects in Winter Park have included a new Library & Events Center designed by celebrity architect David Adjaye. Soon to come, on downtown property dubbed “Innovation Triangle” by Rollins College, is a new facility for the Rollins Museum of Art and the Crummer Graduate School of Business. The other edge of the triangle is the college-owned Alfond Inn, a highly rated boutique hotel.

leading employers Walt Disney World Resort Universal Orlando Resort AdventHealth Orlando Health Publix Supermarkets Greater Orlando Aviation Authority University of Central Florida Lockheed Martin Corp. Resource Employment Solutions Darden Restaurants Inc.

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If all you know about Seminole County is what you see while driving along U.S. Highway 17-92, then you need to get off the beaten track and check out the county’s natural beauty, such as Lake Triplett in Casselberry. Seminole County has 148 lakes, 29 parks, 89 miles of trails and 6,000 acres of preserved wilderness areas.

seminole County STATISTICS: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2020

At a Glance Land Area: 298 square miles Population: 471,000 2010-2020 Population Growth: 11% 2025 Projected Population Growth: 492,260 Mean Travel Time to Work (Minutes): 27.5. Mean Household Income: $66,768 Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 39.6%

Altamonte Springs Although Altamonte Springs was incorporated in 1920, its population totaled only 5,000 as recently as 1970. But that was before developers turned this erstwhile whistle-stop into a thriving suburb. Today, Altamonte Springs, population 45,300, is known both for the Altamonte Mall, built in 1974 as the area’s first regional mall, and the newer Uptown Altamonte, as well as for the presence of virtually every franchised eatery in the world. Uptown Altamonte, spanning more than 25 acres on the shores of a 40-acre manmade lake, now has established itself as the pulse of Altamonte Springs and serves as an economic and aesthetic focal point. Many of the city’s subdivisions can be found along Palm Springs Drive, Maitland Avenue and Montgomery Road, not far from the mall. Some of the older developments are nestled around hidden lakes that seem far removed from the hustle

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and bustle. Multifamily housing also is plentiful, with approximately three-dozen apartment developments located within the city limits, primarily along Semoran Boulevard, also known as State Road 436. Apartment living, plus the convenience of shopping and entertainment venues, has made Altamonte Springs popular among young adults.

Casselberry Founded by World War I veteran Hibbard Casselberry, who in 1926 bought 3,000 acres to grow ferns, Casselberry emerged as a suburban residential community after World War II. By the time it was incorporated in 1965, Casselberry encompassed numerous family-oriented subdivisions and a budding business district near the intersection of State Road 436 and U.S. Highway 17-92. In the decades that followed, the city continued to grow, and its population today stands at more than 30,000 people. As such, Casselberry is a quintessential bedroom community, also boasting more than 15 parks, two-dozen lakes and a municipal golf course. Adjacent to Casselberry is unincorporated Fern Park, which, as the name suggests, also traces its beginnings to the ferngrowing industry. Like Casselberry, it developed into a bedroom community for Orlando, starting in the 1950s.

Lake Mary Lake Mary became one of Central Florida’s hottest growth areas, thanks in large part to the dogged persistence of Jeno Paulucci, a self-made millionaire who made his first fortune sell-

ing frozen Chinese food and a second one selling frozen pizza. The city today continues to sit at the epicenter of Florida’s High-Tech Corridor, which follows Interstate 4 from Tampa through Seminole County and northeast to Daytona Beach. Along the route, government and industry have joined forces to attract leading-edge companies in such fields as telecommunications, medical technology and microelectronics. In Lake Mary, with a population of about 18,000, dozens of such companies have set up shop in several sprawling business centers that have combined to create a Central Florida version of Silicon Valley. But it all started as an isolated railroad station known as Bents, the surname of a local grove owner. In 1900, industry arrived in Bents when Planters Manufacturing Co. built a factory to produce starches, dextrins, farina and tapioca. The facility closed in 1910, however, and Bents — later renamed Lake Mary for the wife of a local pastor — seemed destined to remain an out-of-the-way country town. That was the case for another half-century, until the construction of Interstate 4 and a successful campaign by community boosters to get a Lake Mary interchange tacked onto the project. The resulting tracts of easily accessible land caught the eye of Paulucci. In the late 1970s, he announced plans to build a luxuri-

ous residential development and business hub called Heathrow. Today, such developments — both pricey and more moderate — are plentiful, along with an array of complementary mixed-use developments featuring shops, restaurants and apartment complexes.

Longwood Of all Seminole County’s municipalities, Longwood, population roughly 17,500, has the most history to preserve, and has done the best job of preserving it. But it’s still a modern place, with a plethora of exclusive country club communities, office parks and shopping centers. In 1873 a New Englander named Edward Henck homesteaded a tract of land that he named Longwood, after a Boston suburb he had helped plan. Henck was also the town’s first postmaster and its first mayor. And in what may have been his spare time, Henck co-founded the South Florida Railroad and built a line connecting Sanford and Orlando, which enabled Longwood to boom as a citrus- and lumber-shipping center as well as a winter resort destination. But as crucial as Henck was to Longwood’s development, it was a carpenter named Josiah Clouser, a Henck employee, whose legacy is most visible.

Of all Seminole County’s municipalities, Longwood, population roughly 17,500, has the most history to preserve, and has done the best job of preserving it. This most modern of cities boasts a remarkable historic district encompassing a two-block area on Warren and Church avenues near the intersection of County Road 427 and State Road 434.

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Although it barely topped 2,000 residents in the early 1980s, the Seminole County city of Oviedo today has a population of more than 41,000. Much of the business activity has moved from the “old” downtown to Oviedo on the Park, a 50-acre town center on the north side of Mitchell Hammock Road. The site encompasses homes, businesses, a lake, an amphitheater and a boardwalk as well as municipal buildings.

Clouser, a Pennsylvanian, constructed most of the buildings still standing in Longwood’s remarkable historic district, a twoblock area on Warren and Church avenues near the intersection of County Road 427 and State Road 434. There are plenty of events to keep residents occupied. The annual Arts and Crafts Festival, held in November, features more than 200 artists and handcraft exhibitors selling unique items, fine jewelry and seasonal décor. Also, the Founders Day Spring Arts and Crafts Festival is held each March.

Oviedo While Oviedo might be one of Central Florida’s oldest communities, first settled some 140 years ago, this boomtown knows how to embrace newcomers. Indeed, few Central Florida municipalities witnessed the kind of growth Oviedo saw beginning in the early 2000s and continued for much of the past 15 years. The town’s population is about 45,000, more than a tenfold increase since 1980. Oviedo has a mall, too — called, appropriately, the Oviedo Mall. Oviedo’s growth was a long time coming. The area’s first settlers, who put down stakes near Lake Jesup in the 1860s, called it Solary’s Wharf. In 1883, postmaster Andrew Aulin dubbed it Oviedo, supposedly after seeing a Spanish town of the same name on a map. Longtime locals point to 1964 as perhaps the most significant year in Oviedo’s history. That’s when a desolate 1,145acre tract in rural northeast Orange County, about seven miles

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east of the city, was selected as the site for Florida Technological University (now the University of Central Florida). Since that time, Oviedo’s history has been rewritten, to a large extent, with orange groves and celery fields giving way to housing communities and a new downtown to accommodate the university’s surrounding growth.

Sanford Located on the shores of Lake Monroe, Sanford once rivaled Orlando as the region’s largest city. A major distribution center for vegetables and citrus, it was known as “The Celery Capital of the World.” But agriculture is no longer king in Sanford (population 62,000). Today, it’s the Seminole County seat, making county government the leading employer. And, after years of stagnation, Sanford also is a city on the rise, thanks to a burgeoning airport, Orlando-Sanford International Airport — one of the fastest-growing in the country — and a downtown redevelopment initiative that has given life to a new entertainment district, highlighted by the scenic Sanford Riverwalk. Sanford is the county’s most populous city. Relocators to Sanford can choose from an array of new subdivisions on the city’s outskirts, they can latch on to Victorian fixer-uppers in the city center or they can enjoy emerging apartment living as part of downtown’s rebirth. Leading that rebirth is San Leon, a, new mixed-use development that hearkens back to the founding of the city and con-

sists of ground-level retail with residential uses on top floors. The hope, according to city officials, is that the project will spark a resurgence of new projects in the downtown area. Sanford’s downtown has become a Central Florida destination, bolstered by the Sanford Main Street initiative. Its mission is to “preserve and enhance the historic charm” while “encouraging local spending, tourism and a sense of community.”

Winter Springs Until the mid-1950s, Winter Springs was nothing more than several square miles of scrub pine and palmettos. That’s when developers Raymond Moss and William Edgemon bought the land, subdivided it and introduced the Village of North Orlando. At the start of the 1970s, a time of rampant growth throughout Central Florida, the area contained one small grocery store and roughly 300 homes straddling State Road 434. Tuscawilla, eastern Seminole County’s first upscale golf course community, changed all that, along with a new city charter getting adopted in 1972, which gave the city the new

name of Winter Springs. In the past two decades, the city’s growth has rivaled that of adjacent Oviedo. The population is now 38,500 and growing, bolstered by projects such as the sprawling Town Center at the corner of State Road 434 and Tuskawilla Road.

leading employers Seminole County Public Schools Orlando Sanford International Airport AT&T Mobility Central Florida Regional Hospital Consulate Health Care LLC Chase Card Services Concentrix Deloitte Consulting LLP Seminole State College of Florida Seminole County Government

The Seminole County city of Sanford was restored and rejuvenated about 20 years ago. Hugging the shores of Lake Monroe, Sanford today is a lively destination for shopping and dining, and boasts an array of antique emporiums and art galleries.

SPRING 2022

Osceola County’s Silver Spurs Rodeo, still held every year in Kissimmee, is a throwback to the days of the county’s stature as a cattle-ranching mecca. There are still plenty of cowboys, along with others who like the area’s affordable homes and array of recreational opportunities.

osceola County STATISTICS: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2020

At a Glance Land Area: 1,385 square miles Population: 376,000 2010-2020 Population Growth: 45% 2025 Projected Population Growth: 452,100 Mean Travel Time to Work (Minutes): 34 Mean Household Income: $52,279 Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 21.8%

Kissimmee As a whole, Osceola County had Florida’s second-largest growth in population from 2010 to 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That growth has been especially evident in Kissimmee, its largest city at approximately 75,000 people. At the same time, by virtue of the vibe that continues to permeate the community, the one-time slogan for Kissimmee of “Big-time attractions, small-town hospitality” still fits. A friendly, down-to-earth place, Kissimmee is still recognized for its biannual Silver Spurs Rodeo and its genuine cowboy panache. It just happens to exist alongside Walt Disney World, the world’s No. 1 tourist attraction. Formerly called Allendale, the city began as a tiny trading post on the northern bank of Lake Tohopekaliga. It was incorporated in 1887 as Kissimmee — a Native American term meaning “long water.” It later became the Osceola County seat

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and, by the 1930s, cattle rivaled citrus as its main industry. But housing now powers the economy. With developable land becoming scarce in Orange and Seminole counties, much of the region’s residential growth for the next decade is expected to take place in and around Kissimmee, according to a study by the Urban Land Institute. To make certain that at least some of Kissimmee’s heritage is preserved, the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency continues to actively improve the historic downtown district near Main Street and U.S. 192 with appealing mixed-use projects. One example: City Centre Kissimmee, which consists of luxury residential units plus parking garages as well as retail, restaurants, financial institutions and professional offices. Also spurring growth around Kissimmee is NeoCity, a mixed use “smart city” and technology incubator that will eventually contain, in addition to its research and manufacturing facilities, a 1.4 million-square-foot retail and entertainment hub and 1,150 condominiums with nearly 400,000 square feet of amenities and common space. In addition, Kissimmee remains a sporting paradise, with numerous boat ramps on the shores of Lake Toho, which is known for excellent bass fishing. Southport Park, for example, offers covered pavilions, grills and campgrounds, while picnic areas abound at Partin Triangle Park and Whaley’s Landing. Hunters can enjoy the wide-open Osceola Plain, home to turkey, white-tailed deer and fox squirrels. Kissimmee is also culturally diverse. About 68 percent of its population identifies as Hispanic, and many arts and entertainment venues reflect that burgeoning international flair.

St. Cloud St. Cloud has been called “A Soldier’s Colony,” “The Friendly Soldier City,” “The Wonder City” and “The City of Schools.” Also, it was known as an inexpensive place for tourists to stay while visiting Walt Disney World. In the 1970s, St. Cloud teamed with much-larger Kissimmee to market itself internationally as an affordable alternative for vacationers wishing to explore the theme parks without paying resort hotel prices. Yet, these days, city officials are working to downplay that tourism connection while promoting the charms of St. Cloud as a great place to live. The military references hearken back to 1909, when the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization for Union soldiers who had served in the Civil War, bought 35,000 acres for development as a community for veterans. More than a century later, St. Cloud boasts one of Central Florida’s most charming downtown districts. It’s replete with antique shops occupying vintage storefronts, several excellent restaurants, a historical museum and Veteran’s Memorial Park. Meanwhile, growth continues, with St. Cloud’s population now exceeding 57,000. And there are some exciting community amenities on the way for them to enjoy. For example, the city’s first-ever splash pad, inspired by Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest, is soon to open.

Ground was broken last year for the one-acre project at the 65th Infantry Veterans Park in the expansive community of Buenaventura Lakes near Kissimmee. When complete, there’ll be 34 water features, including a water dump platform, spraying palms, animals and plants. The park, which already includes a highly acclaimed disk golf course, serves as a tribute the 65th Infantry Regiment, which was nicknamed “The Borinqueneers.” The storied Puerto Rican regiment of the U.S. Army distinguished itself during the Korean War.

leading employers School District of Osceola County Walt Disney Company Orange Lake Resorts & Holiday Inn Club Vacations Osceola Regional Medical Center AdventHealth Celebration Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center Westgate Vacation Villas Osceola County Government Valencia College Osceola Wilson Resort Management

It’s called Lake County for a reason, dotted with big bodies of water like Lake Minneola. In fact, the county encompasses more than 1,000 lakes and 202 square miles of water.

SPRING 2022

The county mixes the past and the future, with the iconic Citrus Tower (left), built in the 1950s to provide views of citrus groves that are now mostly under development. n The future is represented by Olympus, a new healthoriented development that marks the beginning of Wellness Way.

lake County STATISTICS: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2020

At a Glance Land Area: 1,156 square miles Population: 370,000 2010-2020 Population Growth: 29% 2025 Projected Population Growth: 410,900 Mean Travel Time to Work (Minutes): 30 Mean Household Income: $54,513 Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 24%

Clermont and South Lake County The Citrus Tower, built in 1956, was once an awesome attraction that invited picnickers and tourists to its observation deck for panoramic views of Lake County’s sprawling citrus groves. The tower — now considered a kitschy relic of a bygone era — is still there, but the landscape has starkly changed. Now you’ll see thousands of new homes on the rolling hills that have always distinguished burgeoning Lake County from its geographically challenged neighbors. That isn’t to say sprawl has destroyed Lake County’s charm. There are still groves, woods, barns and more than 1,400 lakes scattered across 221 square miles. The county’s unpretentious municipalities still boast quaint business districts with momand-pop shops.

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Yet, like other previously rural areas in Central Florida, Lake County is growing fast — particularly in south Lake County, which has increasingly become an attractive suburban alternative for people who work in more populous Orange and Seminole counties. The city of Clermont, population of more than 44,000 and steadily rising, is ground zero for the county’s housing boom. The stage was set with construction of metro Orlando’s Western Beltway, which has made a once-daunting commute quite manageable. Clermont is truly at the crossroads of Florida, located at the intersection of State Road 50, which runs east and west, and U.S. 27, which runs north and south. Bordered by Lake Minnehaha on the south and Lake Minneola on the north, Clermont is on a chain of 16 lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River in the Ocklawaha Basin of tributaries of the St. Johns River. “The Gem of the Hills,” as Clermont is sometimes called, also is popular among triathlon enthusiasts. Orlando Health South Lake Hospital’s all-in-one campus is home to the USA Triathlon National Training Center, which is designed to meet the needs of all ages and fitness levels. Growth, then, is both literally and figuratively healthy in and around Clermont. And it’s about to get even more so with Wellness Way. The southeast portion of the county, formerly known as the South Lake Sector Planning Area, encompasses nearly 15,500 acres east of U.S. 27 and south of State Road 50. The mostly rural expanse has been poised for major development as a sort

of expansion — or even a duplication — of booming Horizon West in bordering west Orange County. Comparable to Horizon West, multiuse Wellness Way is divided into smaller sectors, including a town center. It will eventually include about 16,500 residential units, but that number remains somewhat fluid for now. Suffice it to say, it’ll be big. Infrastructure is being planned or is underway with multiple new roads designed to literally connect into the future. This includes several new connector roads that will connect Horizon West to neighboring communities in Lake County. Clearly, there are big visions for this rustic setting, which today is marked primarily by citrus groves, bumpy dirt roads, lakes and hills, and pastures where cows contentedly graze. All the while, homebuilders (and developers) have been watching and taking notice — and already have gotten busy with what surely will accelerate stark changes to the landscape. At the center of the initial activity is master-planned Olympus, a 243-acre community in Clermont bordered to the west by U.S. 27 and 4,372-acre Lake Louisa State Park. Proximity of a development like Olympus to Clermont makes a lot of sense, if you know anything about Clermont. While some cities tout the names of corporations they land or public lands they acquire, Clermont lists the names of Olympians who train in their town. Last year, Triathlete magazine named the city one of the nation’s top 10 for triathletes — putting the Lake County hamlet in the same league as San Diego, California; Austin, Texas; and Charlotte, North Carolina. “This suburb of Orlando is quickly building a reputation as one of the country’s true tri meccas,”

magazine editors wrote. Athletes come to the rolling, lake-dotted area to train yearround on some of Florida’s rare hills. Nowhere else in Central Florida — or perhaps the state — do road signs declare “Caution: High Cyclist Activity” and “Cyclists May Take the Full Lane.” Essentially marking the start of Wellness Way, Olympus features uncommon elevations and vistas, a natural lake and full entitlement for more than 1,000 residential units to accompany 1 million-plus square feet of office, medical, retail, restaurant and industrial space. The planned centerpiece of this initial community will be the Olympus Athlete Center. It comes with all the right buzzwords: “sports performance,” “athlete nutritional services” and “media and broadcast facilities.” As planned, the sports campus would include a tennis center, an ice sports arena, an aquatics center, an area for beach volleyball and a field sports complex for lacrosse, soccer and rugby. You can kind of imagine svelte bodies sporting the Olympus logo on T- shirts: “Epic Every Day.” The arena, by the way, might accommodate concerts and other events. Activity has come in stages, beginning in 2018, when master plans were first outlined to the Lake County Commission by Winter Park-based Olympus Sports and Entertainment Group, the community’s developer. Although the infrastructure phase of Olympus didn’t begin until last summer, during the next decade — if all goes as planned — Olympus is expected to create more than 5,000 jobs and generate more than $1.4 billion in local economic impact.

Downtown Mount Dora is a busy and scenic place, filled with intriguing shops and restaurants. Southern Living magazine spotlighted the city in a story called “Small Towns We Love.” The business district is also home to a major annual art festival.

SPRING 2022

As part of the approved plan, the development will contain 48 acres of nonresidential land focused on agribusiness and community recreational facilities, along with a 200-foot buffer of trees and five miles of interconnected community trails for walking, hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Mount Dora To the north, Mount Dora, population 15,200, continues to be a center of development, with Eustis and Umatilla also attracting significant development attention. Mount Dora, the aptly named “New England of the South,” was founded in 1874, when homesteaders first discovered the gently sloping lakeside hills that rise to 184 feet — hardly a mountain, but a formidable height by Central Florida standards. The city hugs the shores of 3,600-acre Lake Dora, named for Dora Ann Drawdy, who homesteaded two miles south with her husband in 1846. Today, downtown Mount Dora contains dozens of historic buildings housing antique shops, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Tree-shaded Donnelly Park occupies a full block in the center of town, inviting picnickers and tennis players to enjoy the lush surroundings.

One of the major attractions in Polk County is Florida Southern College, which encompasses the largest number of buildings designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Just about every structure on the campus is a distinctive modernist masterpiece, all carefully restored and maintained.

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Within walking distance is Palm Island Park, adjacent to Gilbert Park, which boasts one of the most beautiful nature trails in the state. The downtown area also hosts an annual art festival, as well as numerous antique and craft fairs, specialty auto shows and historic home tours. The city has a respected community theater, too, along with an art center and a historical museum.

leading employers Publix Supermarkets AdventHealth Waterman UF Health Leesburg Hospital Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Walmart Supercenters The Villages of Lake-Sumter Inc. Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care Lowe’s Home Improvement Centers Lifestream Behavioral Center Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corp.

polk County STATISTICS: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2020

At a Glance Land Area: 1,874 square miles Population: 761,000 2010-2020 Population Growth: 20% 2025 Projected Population Growth: 766,400 Mean Travel Time to Work (Minutes): 27.8 Mean Household Income: $50,584 Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 20.2%

Shine a spotlight on Polk County, which sits in the geographical center of Florida, and you’ll realize that, despite its low profile, the county is both distinct and growing — particularly in the Four Corners area where Polk, Lake, Orange and Osceola counties meet. Growth is happening there by virtue of neighboring communities, including Horizon West and its five designated mixeduse villages, plus the bulging mega developments Celebration and Bay Lake, among others. Polk County has picturesque small towns and giant masterplanned communities; historic tourist attractions; a college (Florida Southern in Lakeland) designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright; a vibrant arts community; and a diversified economy. Tourism was thriving here many years before Walt Disney started buying land in Central Florida, and visitors continue to boost the local economy at attractions such as the Legoland

In Polk County, Bok Tower Gardens is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places you’ll find anywhere. Its massive carillon tower was dedicated during the presidency of Calvin Coolidge.

Florida Resort in Winter Haven and the historic Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. Polk County has its share of bustling midsized cities, including its two largest: Lakeland (population 102,700) and Winter Haven (population 36,700). Laid-back Bartow (population 18,500) is the county’s seat, while Davenport (population 7,300) has emerged in recent years as one of the region’s hottest boomtowns for new development. Lake Wales (population 16,000) has been named Florida’s population center by the U.S. Census Bureau — the result of a geographic calculation done every decade to summarize population shifts across the country. It’s the closest city to the middle of Florida’s population. A thriving arts scene also is evident in Polk, with museums, art centers and theaters. Sports tourism is also a very big deal. In fact, Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing (PSCM) – part of Visit Central Florida — is the only organization in the state to earn both the Sports Organization of the Year award from the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and the Florida Sports Foundation’s Sports Commission of the Year Award. Also, PCSM has been recognized as the Sports Organization of the Year by both the Independent Softball Association and Youth Basketball of America. It’s an official division of Polk County government. How’s this for a tourist attraction in youth athletics? Lake Myrtle Sports Park in Auburndale is a multipurpose sports complex that encompasses nine collegiate-size baseball fields (sodded with type 419 Bermuda grass on all playing surfaces) and 11 lighted soccer fields. Events hosted there have ranged from the National Dog Agility Championships and regional rugby championships to the RussMatt Central Florida Baseball Invitational — which is the nation’s largest collegiate baseball tournament. Similarly, the AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center in Winter Haven features a 58,400 square foot multiuse gymnasium space that accommodates six basketball courts or 12 volleyball courts and a second-floor observation area. Polk County is home to more than 220 annual sporting events and serves as the headquarters for USA Water Ski and the Florida Youth Soccer Association.

leading employers Publix Supermarkets Polk County School Board Lakeland Regional Health Walmart Amazon.com Geico City of Lakeland BayCare AdventHealth Polk County Board of County Commissioners

SPRING 2022

Daytona Beach’s brightly lit boardwalk is known to vacationers and spring breakers, of course. But the World’s Most Famous Beach is within easy driving distance of anywhere in Central Florida.

volusia County STATISTICS: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2020

At a Glance Land Area: 1,103 square miles Population: 555,000 2010-2020 Population Growth: 14% 2025 Projected Population Growth: 573,800 Mean Travel Time to Work (Minutes): 25.9 Mean Household Income: $49,494 Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 23.7% Geographically, Volusia County sits 50 miles northeast of Orlando, between the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean. But these days, in a region where the growth is pushing outward in all four directions, geography doesn’t mean as much as it once did. Indeed, as metro Orlando spreads north and east along Interstate 4 through Seminole County, west Volusia is directly in growth’s path. Today the area, once identified almost exclusively with Daytona Beach (population 72,600), is emerging as a suburb of Orlando. For example, with 96,000 residents, Deltona has long since surpassed Daytona Beach as the largest municipality in the county. It has seen monumental growth since 1980. Much of the activity is spurred by commercial development along the High-Tech Corridor, which runs the length of Interstate 4 between Tampa and Daytona Beach. In addition, the widening of the Interstate 4/St. Johns River Bridge alleviated one of the region’s most annoying traffic bottlenecks, making the western portion of Volusia an easy 30-minute commute to downtown Orlando. Buyers have discovered the impressive stock of historic homes west of downtown DeLand (population 37,700), which is clearly one of the coolest small towns in Florida. The quaint downtown district, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is thick with eateries and antique

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shops. And stately Stetson University, which has been located here since 1883, adds an air of permanence. Meanwhile, tiny Lake Helen (population 2,800) is holding its breath as Victoria Park adds 4,000 homes and 10,000 residents right near the city’s border. The rural enclave is expected to grow nearly 20 percent by 2025. Those interested in more natural settings, plus an unusual lunch, may head north on U.S. 17 to De León Springs State Park, where you can cook your own pancakes at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill and then paddle a canoe through the wilderness. In the winter, manatees seeking warmer water can be seen lolling around at Blue Springs State Park. In the summer, humans seeking relief plunge into the same bubbling blue oasis. Many of the changes in Volusia County involve Daytona Beach, especially around Interstate 95 and LPGA Boulevard. Five or six years ago, big stories included the arrival of a Trader Joe’s distribution center, the opening of Tanger Outlets Mall and the Tomoka Town Center, and the completion of a new headquarters site for TopBuild Corp., a Fortune 1000 company. Then came more retail, restaurant apartment complexes and the massive live/work/play communities of Mosaic and Latitude Margaritaville.

leading employers AdventHealth System Halifax Hospital System Publix Supermarkets Walmart Associates Inc. Stetson University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Florida Healthcare Plans Sykes Communications Winn Dixie Super Markets Brunswick Corp.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS School grades provide an easily understandable way to measure the performance of a school. Schools are graded A, B, C, D or F, and the grade is determined using up to 11 components. There are four achievement components, which are calculated using student performance on statewide standardized assessments, including comprehensive assessments, end-of-course (EOC) assessments and Florida Alternate Assessments (FAA). The achievement components measure the percentage of fullyear enrolled students who achieve a passing score. There are also learning gains components and a middle school acceleration component, as well as high school acceleration and graduation rate components. Each component is worth up to 100 points in the overall calculation. The four achievement components — English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies — are shown on the following pages. Also shown are school grades for two years, high school graduation rates and the percentage of students on free or reduced lunch programs. For more information about the complexities of school grading, and to see results of the other components that determine school grades, visit the Florida Department of Education website at fldoe.com. School grades were not given for the 2020-2021 or 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2018

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

76.1

LAKE ORIENTA

75.0

55.4

LAWTON

26.0

BENTLEY

63.2

LAYER

57.4

CARILLON

29.1

LONGWOOD

63.9

CASSELBERRY

72.8

MIDWAY

86.2

CHOICES IN LEARNING (CHARTER)

22.0

PARTIN

23.2

CRYSTAL LAKE

42.7

PINE CREST

94.9

EASTBROOK

60.8

RAINBOW

35.0

ENGLISH ESTATES

76.3

RED BUG

48.7

EVANS

38.1

SABAL POINT

34.0

FOREST CITY

70.9

SPRING LAKE

80.2

GENEVA

47.2

STENSTROM

43.4

GOLDSBORO MAGNET

51.5

STERLING PARK

56.0

HAMILTON

90.0

WALKER

22.5

HEATHROW

19.3

WEKIVA

34.1

HIGHLANDS

62.6

WICKLOW

88.5

IDYLLWILDE

85.3

WILSON

27.9

KEETH

31.6

WINTER SPRINGS

75.5

LAKE MARY

49.2

WOODLANDS

32.5

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

BEAR LAKE

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

ALTAMONTE

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

MAKING THE GRADE

SEMINOLE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

SEMINOLE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS CHILES

26.5

MILWEE

66.4

GREENWOOD LAKES

66.7

ROCK LAKE

39.5

INDIAN TRAILS

41.1

SANFORD

50.6

JACKSON HEIGHTS

31.5

SOUTH SEMINOLE

67.5

MARKHAM WOODS

46.5

TEAGUE

58.0

MILLENNIUM

68.1

TUSKAWILLA

52.1

LYMAN

53.5

OVIEDO

34.1

SEMINOLE

57.4

WINTER SPRINGS

52.8

SEMINOLE COUNTY VIRTUAL FRANCHISE

19.5

100

29.7

SEMINOLE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS CROOMS ACADEMY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

38.2

100

HAGERTY

20.7

LAKE BRANTLEY

45.7

LAKE HOWELL

53.6

LAKE MARY

42.6

SEMINOLE COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS GALILEO SCHOOL FOR GIFTED LEARNING K-8 (CHARTER)

27.5

SEMINOLE SCIENCE K-8 (CHARTER)

SPRING 2022

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2018

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

100.0

MICHIGAN AVENUE

87.3

100.0

MILL CREEK

100.0

CHESTNUT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

100.0

NARCOOSSEE

38.0

NEPTUNE

91.6

PARTIN SETTLEMENT

79.2

PLEASANT HILL

97.8

POINCIANA ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

100.0

REEDY CREEK

92.4

ST. CLOUD

59.6

SUNRISE

89.8

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

CENTRAL AVENUE

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

BOGGY CREEK

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

OSCEOLA COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

CYPRESS

100.0

DEERWOOD

100.0

EAST LAKE

76.8

FLORA RIDGE

100

HICKORY TREE

65.5

HIGHLANDS

100.0

KISSIMMEE

92.4

KOA

100.0

THACKER AVENUE SCHOOL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

100.0

LAKEVIEW

82.1

VENTURA

99.0

OSCEOLA COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS DENN JOHN

100.0

NARCOOSSEE

56.3

DISCOVERY INTERMEDIATE

100.0

NEPTUNE

72.1

HORIZON

92.3

PARKWAY

92.0

KISSIMMEE

100.0

ST. CLOUD

66.8

NEW DIMENSIONS

75.4

OSCEOLA

82.9

POINCIANA

83.7

PROFESSIONAL & TECHNICAL

58.9

100

ST. CLOUD

59.0

ST. CLOUD PREPARATORY ACADEMY

40.2

57.7

OSCEOLA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS AVANT GARDE ACADEMY OF OSCEOLA 6-12 (CHARTER)

CELEBRATION

62.1

FOUR CORNERS UPPER 9-12 (CHARTER)

100.0

GATEWAY

80.5

HARMONY

37.8

LIBERTY

84.7

OSCEOLA COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS AVANT GARDE ACADEMY POINCIANA K-8 (CHARTER) BELLALAGO ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER) CANOE CREEK ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER) CELEBRATION SCHOOL K-8

24.8

OSCEOLA SCIENCE K-8 (CHARTER) OSCEOLA VIRTUAL SCHOOL (SECONDARY) POINCIANA ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS PK-5 (CHARTER)

100.0

25.7

P. M. WELLS ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

89.6

68.1

73.3

64.1

84.7

78.8

RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AT BOGGY CREEK K-8 (CHARTER) RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AT POINCIANA K-8 (CHARTER) RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AT TAPESTRY K-8 (CHARTER) ST. CLOUD PREPARATORY ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

86.5

40.2

86.3

FLORIDA CYBER K-12 (CHARTER)

FOUR CORNERS K-8 (CHARTER)

HARMONY COMMUNITY SCHOOL

KISSIMMEE ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER) MATER BRIGHTON LAKES ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

MATER PALMS ACADEMY K-12

85.1

OSCEOLA COUNTY SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS 6-12 (CHARTER)

43.2

100.0

71.8

88.9

86.9

UCP OSCEOLA PK-2 (CHARTER) WESTSIDE SCHOOL K-8

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H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2018

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

96.1

LAWTON CHILES

100.0

54.3

LITTLE RIVER

100.0

APOPKA

91.6

LOCKHART

100.0

AVALON

26.9

LOVELL

100.0

AZALEA PARK

100.0

MEADOW WOODS

100.0

BALDWIN PARK

40.5

METROWEST

73.8

MICHAEL MCCOY

100.0

BAY MEADOWS

41.0

MILLENNIA

80.1

BONNEVILLE

100.0

MILLENNIA GARDENS

100.0

BROOKSHIRE

48.7

MOLLIE RAY

100.0

CAMELOT

57.6

MOSS PARK

33.1

CASTLE CREEK

97.2

NAP FORD COMMUNITY (CHARTER)

100.0

CATALINA

100.0

NORTHLAKE PARK COMMUNITY

40.6

CHENEY

100.0

OAK HILL

100.0

CHICKASAW

100.0

OAKLAND AVENUE (CHARTER)

31.3

CITRUS

90.8

OAKSHIRE

84.4

CLAY SPRINGS

89.4

OCOEE

100.0

COLUMBIA

60.8

ORANGE CENTER

100.0

CONWAY

100.0

ORLANDO SCIENCE (CHARTER)

39.7

CYPRESS PARK

100.0

ORLO VISTA

100.0

CYPRESS SPRINGS

53.5

PALM LAKE

48.2

DEERWOOD

54.4

PALMETTO

100.0

DILLARD STREET

100.0

PERSHING-PINE CASTLE

85.8

DOMMERICH

19.6

PHILLIS WHEATLEY

100.0

DOVER SHORES

100.0

PINAR

100.0

DR. PHILLIPS

37.1

PINE HILLS

100.0

DREAM LAKE

94.7

PINECREST CREEK (CHARTER)

90.6

PINELOCH

100.0

EAGLE CREEK

38.5

PINEWOOD

100.0

EAGLES NEST

100.0

PRAIRIE LAKE

67.9

EAST LAKE

58.4

PRINCETON

35.7

ECCLESTON

100.0

RIDGEWOOD PARK

100.0

ENDEAVOR

66.6

RIVERDALE

100.0

ENGELWOOD

100.0

RIVERSIDE

100.0

FORSYTH WOODS

100.0

ROCK LAKE

100.0

HIAWASSEE

100.0

ROCK SPRINGS

66.5

HIDDEN OAKS

70.4

ROLLING HILLS

100.0

HILLCREST

27.1

ROSEMONT

100.0

HUNGERFORD

100.0

SADLER

100.0

HUNTERS CREEK

52.4

SAND LAKE

47.6

INDEPENDENCE

18.6

SHENANDOAH

61.3

IVEY LANE

100.0

SHINGLE CREEK

100.0

JOHN YOUNG

72.6

SOUTHWOOD

83.5

KEENES CROSSING

23.9

SPRING LAKE

100.0

LUCIOUS AND EMMA NIXON ACADEMY CHARTER

100.0

STONE LAKES

29.6

KILLARNEY

100.0

SUN BLAZE

50.1

LAKE COMO

88.0

SUNRIDGE

53.2

LAKE GEM

100.0

SUNRISE

31.7

LAKE GEORGE

98.4

SUNSET PARK

28.7

TANGELO PARK

100.0

THORNEBROOKE

29.7

THREE POINTS

100.0

TILDENVILLE

59.3

TIMBER LAKES

40.5

UCP EAST (CHARTER)

UNION PARK

100.0

VENTURA

100.0

VISTA LAKES

51.5

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

ANDOVER

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

ALOMA

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ORANGE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

BAY LAKE

DURRANCE

LAKE SILVER

99.5

LAKE SYBELIA

62.0

LAKE WESTON

100.0

LAKE WHITNEY

21.4

LAKEMONT

53.2

LAKEVILLE

94.8

LANCASTER

100.0

LAUREATE PARK

17.4

SPRING 2022

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2018

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

100.0

WHISPERING OAK

20.8

79.8

WILLIAM FRANGUS

99.6

WATERFORD

51.3

WILLIAM S. MAXEY

100.0

WEST CREEK

46.6

WINDERMERE

9.4

WEST OAKS

100.0

WINEGARD

100.0

WESTBROOKE

44.8

WOLF LAKE

WESTPOINTE

63.2

WYNDHAM LAKES

69.9

WETHERBEE

81.3

ZELLWOOD

100.0

School Grade 2019

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

WATERBRIDGE

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

WASHINGTON SHORES

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ORANGE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

ORANGE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS APOPKA

71.0

LEGACY

66.5

AVALON

27.3

LIBERTY

100.0

BRIDGEWATER

28.0

LOCKHART

100.0

CARVER

100.0

MAITLAND

43.3

CHAIN OF LAKES

69.3

MEADOW WOODS

80.0

COLLEGE PARK

100.0

MEADOWBROOK

100.0

CONWAY

69.3

MEMORIAL

100.0

CORNER LAKE

64.5

OCOEE

70.5

DISCOVERY

44.7

ODYSSEY

67.8

FREEDOM

85.2

PIEDMONT LAKES

97.5

GLENRIDGE

52.7

ROBINSWOOD

100.0

GOTHA

63.3

SOUTH CREEK

70.1

HOWARD

39.4

SOUTHWEST

51.8

HUNTERS CREEK

54.6

STONEWALL JACKSON

100.0

INNOVATION

42.8

SUNRIDGE

32.9

JUDSON B. WALKER

100.0

TIMBER SPRINGS

45.7

LAKE NONA

40.9

UNION PARK

100.0

LAKEVIEW

66.3

WESTRIDGE

100.0

WOLF LAKE

56.1

ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS APOPKA

55.5

MAYNARD EVANS

97.4

COLONIAL

95.7

OAK RIDGE

95.0

CORNERSTONE CHARTER ACADEMY

38.6

OCOEE

65.2

CYPRESS CREEK

67.8

OLYMPIA

50.4

DR. PHILLIPS

54.8

TIMBER CREEK

34.0

EAST RIVER

UNIVERSITY

60.1

EDGEWATER

60.2

WEKIVA

82.2

FREEDOM

61.5

WEST ORANGE

38.8

JONES

69.9

WILLIAM R. BOONE

48.1

LAKE NONA

41.4

WINDERMERE

24.0

LEGACY (CHARTER)

3.3

100

WINTER PARK

36.6

ORANGE COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS ARBOR RIDGE K-8

51.3

ORANGE COUNTY VIRTUAL K-12

24.3

BLANKNER K-8

32.7

ORLANDO SCIENCE MIDDLE HIGH 6-12 (CHARTER)

39.0

100

PASSPORT K-8 (CHARTER)

100.0

75.7

100.0

54.2

81.0

62.4

BRIDGEPREP K-8 (CHARTER)

100.0

CENTRAL FLORIDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER) CORNERSTONE ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

64.3

29.4

HOPE K-8 (CHARTER)

3.9

INNOVATION MONTESSORI OCOEE K-8 (CHARTER)

7.6

LAKE EOLA K-8 (CHARTER)

3.9

LEGENDS ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

100.0

OCPS ACADEMIC CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE PK-8 ORANGE COUNTY PREPARATORY ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

PINECREST PREPARATORY K-8 (CHARTER) RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AT CHICKASAW TRAIL K-8 (CHARTER) RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AT CROWN POINT K-8 (CHARTER) RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AT GOLDENROD K-8 (CHARTER) RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AT HUNTERS CREEK K-8 (CHARTER)

100.0

WEDGEFIELD SCHOOL K-8

45.0

WINDY RIDGE K-8 (CHARTER)

49.3

61.7

H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2018

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

100.0

KATHLEEN

100.0

KINGSFORD

100.0

AUBURNDALE CENTRAL

100.0

LAKE ALFRED

100.0

BARTOW ACADEMY

45.7

LAKE SHIPP

100.0

BEN HILL GRIFFIN JR.

100.0

37.0

LAKELAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL HOUSE (CHARTER)

7.8

BETHUNE ACADEMY

79.5

LAUREL

100.0

CARLTON PALMORE

96.4

LENA VISTA

100.0

CHAIN OF LAKES

75.8

LEWIS ANNA WOODBURY

100.0

CLARENCE BOSWELL

100.0

LINCOLN AVENUE ACADEMY

32.2

CLEVELAND COURT

77.1

LOUGHMAN OAKS

95.5

COMBEE ACADEMY

100.0

MAGNOLIA MONTESSORI ACADEMY (CHARTER)

0.0

CRYSTAL LAKE

100.0

MCKEEL CENTRAL ACADEMY K-6

30.8

DALE R. FAIR BABSON PARK

68.9

MEDULLA

94.2

DIXIELAND

100.0

NORTH LAKELAND

100.0

DR. N.E. ROBERTS

95.3

OSCAR J. POPE

100.0

DUNDEE ACADEMY

82.5

PALMETTO

100.0

EAGLE LAKE

100.0

PHILIP O’BRIEN

100.0

EASTSIDE

100.0

PINEWOOD

100.0

EDGAR L. PADGETT

95.1

POLK AVENUE

100.0

POLK CITY

100.0

PURCELL

100.0

R. BRUCE WAGNER

97.2

R. CLEM CHURCHWELL

86.5

SANDHILL

100.0

SCOTT LAKE

71.5

SLEEPY HILL

100.0

SOCRUM

99.1

SOUTH MCKEEL ACADEMY K-7

28.3

SOUTHWEST

100.0

SPESSARD L. HOLLAND

77.7

SPOOK HILL

100.0

VALLEYVIEW

56.9

WAHNETA

100.0

WALTER CALDWELL

97.9

WENDELL WATSON

72.9

WINSTON ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING

75.8

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

ALTURAS

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

ALTA VISTA

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

POLK COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

BERKLEY

ELBERT

100.0

FLORAL AVENUE

100.0

FRANK E. BRIGHAM ACADEMY

51.1

FRED G. GARNER

100.0

GARDEN GROVE

90.7

GIBBONS STREET

100.0

GRIFFIN

100.0

HARTRIDGE ACADEMY

53.5

HIGHLAND CITY

83.6

HIGHLANDS GROVE

66.1

HILLCREST

89.3

HORIZONS

91.3

INWOOD

100.0

JAMES E. STEPHENS

100.0

JAMES W. SIKES

77.3

JANIE HOWARD WILSON

100.0

JESSE KEEN

100.0

JOHN SNIVELY

100.0

POLK COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS BARTOW

97.6

LAKE GIBSON

75.5

BERKLEY ACCELERATED (CHARTER)

38.8

LAKE MARION CREEK

100.0

BOK ACADEMY (CHARTER)

59.3

LAKELAND HIGHLANDS

58.7

CRYSTAL LAKE

100.0

LAKELAND MONTESSORI (CHARTER)

23.3

DANIEL JENKINS ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY

75.6

LAWTON CHILES ACADEMY

42.7

DENISON

95.7

MCLAUGHLIN FINE ARTS ACADEMY

100.0

DISCOVERY ACADEMY OF LAKE ALFRED (CHARTER)

76.9

MULBERRY

91.7

DUNDEE RIDGE

78.7

SHELLEY S. BOONE

100.0

JERE L. STAMBAUGH

100.0

SLEEPY HILL

100.0

JEWETT ACADEMY MAGNET

60.0

SOUTHWEST

100.0

KATHLEEN

100.0

UNION ACADEMY

41.2

LAKE ALFRED POLYTECH ACADEMY

92.2

WESTWOOD

100.0

SPRING 2022

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2018

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

70.9

LAKE REGION

82.2

59.6

LAKE WALES

64.1

23.2

100

LAKELAND

59.8

DISCOVERY

76.4

96.6

28.0

100

FORT MEADE MIDDLE/SENIOR

MCKEEL ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY 7-12

FROSTPROOF MIDDLE/SENIOR

90.4

GEORGE W. JENKINS

49.8

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

BARTOW

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

AUBURNDALE

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

HAINES CITY

84.0

KATHLEEN

80.0

LAKE GIBSON

63.7

MULBERRY

81.1

POLK PRE-COLLEGIATE ACADEMY 9-10

100

25.8

21.1

RIDGE COMMUNITY

68.8

TENOROC

91.8

WINTER HAVEN

74.1

66.2

75.0

81.7

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

CHAIN OF LAKES COLLEGIATE

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

POLK COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS

POLK STATE COLLEGE COLLEGIATE

POLK COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS -

58.5

62.0

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

RIDGEVIEW GLOBAL STUDIES ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER) ROCHELLE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS K-8 (CHARTER) ROSABELLE W. BLAKE ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

85.4

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

CITRUS RIDGE - A CIVIC ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER) CYPRESS JUNCTION MONTESSORI K-8 (CHARTER) DAVENPORT SCHOOL OF THE ARTS K-8 (CHARTER) JEWETT SCHOOL OF THE ARTS K-8 (CHARTER)

MASCOTTE

100.0

MINNEOLA CONVERSION (CHARTER)

64.7

PINE RIDGE

55.8

100.0

ROUND LAKE

54.6

34.3

SAWGRASS BAY

82.8

100.0

SEMINOLE SPRINGS

81.7

100.0

SORRENTO

68.3

100.0

TAVARES

89.4

57.6

100.0

THE VILLAGES ELEMENTARY OF LADY LAKE

100.0

LEESBURG

100.0

TREADWAY

98.1

LOST LAKE

54.1

TRIANGLE

100.0

UMATILLA

92.6

LAKE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ALTOONA

100.0

ASTATULA

80.5

BEVERLY SHORES

100.0

CLERMONT

CYPRESS RIDGE

EUSTIS

EUSTIS HEIGHTS

FRUITLAND PARK

GRASSY LAKE

GROVELAND

LAKE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS CARVER

100.0

MOUNT DORA

79.8

CLERMONT

78.2

OAK PARK

100.0

EAST RIDGE

54.6

TAVARES

80.9

EUSTIS

90.2

UMATILLA

92.7

GRAY

79.2

WINDY HILL

58.2

LAKE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM

LEESBURG

88.7

MOUNT DORA

64.2

87 86

EAST RIDGE

50.9

SOUTH LAKE

62.2

EUSTIS

71.0

TAVARES

60.2

LAKE MINNEOLA

45.2

UMATILLA

79.4

H O M E B U Y E R // C E N T R A L F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2018

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

PINECREST LAKES ACADEMY K-8 (CHARTER)

32.5

SPRING CREEK PK-8 (CHARTER)

100.0

School Grade 2019

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Graduation Rate 2017-18

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

School Grade 2019

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LAKE COUNTY VIRTUAL K-12

11.9

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

School Grade 2019

School Grade 2018

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

Graduation Rate 2017-18

14.5

Percent of Economically Disadvantaged Students

School Grade 2018

Social Studies Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Science Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

Mathematics Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

English Language Arts Achievement % Satisfactory or Higher

LAKE COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS IMAGINE SCHOOLS AT SOUTH LAKE K-8 (CHARTER)

BLUE LAKE

90.4

OSTEEN

73.9

CHAMPION

82.4

PALM TERRACE

96.1

CHISHOLM

66.2

PATHWAYS

49.9

CITRUS GROVE

70.7

PIERSON

85.9

CORONADO BEACH

37.5

PINE TRAIL

53.9

CYPRESS CREEK

34.6

PORT ORANGE

68.6

DEBARY

44.3

PRIDE

77.9

DELTONA LAKES

82.0

R. J. LONGSTREET

72.2

DISCOVERY

86.7

READ-PATTILLO

76.9

EDGEWATER PUBLIC

76.7

SAMSULA ACADEMY

2.9

EDITH I. STARKE

96.4

SOUTH DAYTONA

83.9

ENTERPRISE

80.2

SPIRIT

81.4

FOREST LAKE

76.6

SPRUCE CREEK

65.3

FREEDOM

57.2

SUGAR MILL

77.2

FRIENDSHIP

88.0

SUNRISE

80.1

GEORGE W. MARKS

68.1

SWEETWATER

46.9

HORIZON

64.8

THE READING EDGE ACADEMY

10.1

INDIAN RIVER

75.3

TIMBERCREST

72.4

LOUISE S. MCINNIS

87.5

TOMOKA

55.4

MANATEE COVE

72.5

TURIE T. SMALL

98.4

ORANGE CITY

79.6

VOLUSIA PINES

81.4

ORMOND BEACH

78.7

WESTSIDE

97.6

ORTONA

82.9

WOODWARD AVENUE

72.7

OSCEOLA

71.0

VOLUSIA COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

VOLUSIA COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS CAMPBELL

92.1

HERITAGE

73.2

CREEKSIDE

41.0

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

62.4

DAVID C. HINSON SR.

56.8

ORMOND BEACH

58.9

DELAND

67.1

RIVER SPRINGS

61.1

DELTONA

80.0

SILVER SANDS

61.1

GALAXY

75.2

SOUTHWESTERN

74.1

VOLUSIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS ATLANTIC

61.3

PINE RIDGE

69.2

DELAND

57.1

SEABREEZE

43.4

DELTONA

68.0

SPRUCE CREEK

37.9

MAINLAND

70.8

UNIVERSITY

57.2

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

51.0

T. DEWITT TAYLOR MIDDLE-HIGH

76.5

38.2

VOLUSIA COUNTY COMBINED SCHOOLS BURNS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL K-8 (CHARTER)

50.1

HOLLY HILL K-8

93.1

IVY HAWN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS K-8 (CHARTER)

SPRING 2022

ORANGE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

SPONSORED BY

TRUSTCO BANK Your Home Town Bank R

On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Orange County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2019-2020 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 or 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bridle Path 5486 Palomino Place, Apopka, FL 32712 • drhorton.com

Schools/Grades: Zellwood (B); Wolf Branch (NA); Apopka (B) Amenities: Walking trails, pool and cabana Builder: D.R. Horton Homes, 321-733-2080 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Easy access to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway); nearby shopping, dining and entertainment.

Eagle Creek 10350 Emerson Lake Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32832 • joneshomesusa.com

Schools/Grades: Eagle Creek (A); Lake Nona (A); Lake Nona (B) Amenities: Gated community; golf course, tennis courts, pool, health/fitness center, clubhouse Builder: Jones Homes USA, 407-636-9261 Products/Prices: Single-family and townhomes, call for pricing details Notes: Village Center with an elegant hotel planned; near Lake Nona’s Medical City and Orlando International Airport; 40 minutes to the Atlantic beaches.

Gatherings of Lake Nona 7573 Laureate Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32837 • beazer.com

Schools/Grades: Eagle Creek (A); Lake Nona (B); Lake Nona (A) Amenities: Internet and cable included; each home has a private balcony and a one-car garage Builder: Beazer Homes, 321-445-5050 Products/Prices: Condominiums, from the $400s Notes: 55-plus active-adult community featuring new condos with elevator access; residents enjoy maintenance-free living with easy access to Lake Nona’s Medical City and S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay).

LAKESIDE

FINAL OPPORTUNITY

1068 Lakeside Estates Drive, Apopka, FL 32703 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Apopka (A); Wolf Lake (B); Apopka (A) Amenities: Gated community, waterfront, resort-style amenities Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Products/Prices: Single-family, call for prices Notes: Enjoy lakeside living in the heart of Apopka, with convenient access to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway) and S.R. 414; less than 30 minutes to major employment centers including Maitland, downtown Orlando and the attractions area.

Laureate Park at Lake Nona South Narcoossee Road, Orlando, FL 32827 • lakenona.com/live/neighborhoods/laureate-park

Schools/Grades: Eagle Creek (A); Lake Nona (B); Lake Nona (A) Amenities: Pool, bike trails, dog park, pocket parks, fitness center, community garden Builders: Ashton Woods Homes, 407-543-6451; Cardel Homes, 813-612-8001; Craft Homes, 407-443-0528; David Weekley Homes, 407-865-8296; Dream Finders Homes, 904-738-0165; Pulte Homes, 866-300-4793; Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-671-8838 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$400s to over $1 million; townhomes, from the low $400s Notes: Traditional neighborhood development adjacent to Lake Nona’s Medical City; variety of architectural styles available; planned Village Center; streets named for Nobel Prize winners.

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Oakland Park 15211 East Oakland Avenue, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • liveatoaklandpark.com

Schools/Grades: Tildenville (B); Lakeview (B); West Orange (A) Amenities: Pool and recreation area, pocket parks, West Orange Trail runs through community, charming streetscape with sidewalks Builders: Brierhill Homes, 407-363-6913; David Weekley Homes, 407-865-8295; J&J Building, 407-476-7520; RCB Homes, 407-876-0729; Rockwell Homes, 407-890-0425 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $400s Notes: Located just minutes from historic downtown Winter Garden on the shores of Lake Apopka; certified green homes in a traditionally styled neighborhood.

Phillips Grove 7965 Wandering Way, Doctor Phillips, FL 32836 • pulte.com

Schools/Grades: Sandlake (A); Southwest (A); Dr. Phillips (B). Amenities: Gated community, lawn care included, outside summer kitchen, pool and cabana, sports courts. Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-449-8039 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the high $800s Notes: Located within minutes of I-4; near Central Florida’s “Restaurant Row;” convenient to schools and shopping; limited number of lakefront homesites on the Butler Chain of Lakes available.

Pinewood Reserve 5973 Wooden Pine Drive, Orlando, FL 32829 • pulte.com

Schools/Grades: Hidden Oaks (B); Odyssey (B); Colonial (B) Amenities: Pool and cabana, playground, dog park Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-845-9049 Product/Price: Single-family and townhomes, from the high $300s Notes: Easy access to S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) offers easy access to top shopping and dining areas such as the Waterford Lakes Town Center and the Lake Nona Town Center.

San Sebastian Reserve 2100 Emerald Springs Drive, Apopka, FL 32712 • khov.com

Schools/Grades: Rock Springs (A); Apopka (C); Apopka (B) Amenities: Gated community, resort-style pool, cabana, playground, dog park Builder: K. Hovnanian Homes, 321-263-2644 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$400s Notes: Close to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway), 414 (the Apopka Expressway) and Florida’s Turnpike.

Sunset Preserve 4125 Sunset Preserve Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32820 • pulte.com

Schools/Grades: East Lake (NA); Corner Lake (C); East River (NA) Amenities: Gated community, private boat ramp, lakefront pavilion, children’s playground Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-676-7843 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the low $600s Notes: Tucked among the trees off of Lake Pickett in East Orlando; features a private community boat ramp, a lakefront open-air pavilion and a children’s playground; located near S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and S.R. 408 (the East-West Expressway).

SPRING 2022

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ORANGE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

The Brix at The Packing District 3025 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804 • tollbrothers.com

Schools/Grades: Lake Silver (C); College Park (C); Edgewater (A) Amenities: Bike lane leading directly into College Park; food hall and beer garden, futuristic regional park with a pond overlook, 40-acre urban farm, sports fields, pavilion, entertainment stage, scenic walking and jogging trails, and more. Builder: Toll Brothers, 877-431-0444 Product/Prices: Townhomes, from the high $500s Notes: Near downtown Orlando and College Park; an exclusive community featuring 135 townhomes; home designs will feature urban, transitional and industrial-inspired architecture.

The Oaks at Kelly Park 2424 Park Ridge Street, Apopka, FL 32712 • tollbrothers.com

Schools/Grades: Zellwood (C); Wolf Lake (B); Apopka (B) Amenities: Future swimming pool, cabana, tot lot, two parks with walking paths Builder: Toll Brothers, 407-753-6191 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$400s Notes: Located less than a mile from S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway) and near I-4 and major roadways, residents have easy access to schools, entertainment, shopping and dining, and neighboring cities; nearby outdoor recreation includes hiking, biking and swimming in a natural spring at Wekiwa Springs State Park.

Waterleigh 10482 Atwater Bay Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • drhorton.com

Schools/Grades: Water Spring (NA); Bridgewater (A); Windermere (B) Amenities: Waterfront or water access; walking and nature trails; exercise and fitness center; two resort-style amenity centers; lakes, ponds and swimming pools; tot lots and sports fields; beach volleyball and minigolf; a community garden Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 407-395-9707; Emerald Homes, 407-395-9707 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Located in the Horizon West area with 1,400-plus acres encompassing more than a dozen lakes and clear water ponds; near shopping, dining, major attractions and top-notch medical facilities; served by excellent schools.

Waverly Walk 9119 Waverly Walk Drive, Orlando, FL. 32817 • ashtonwoods.com

Schools/Grades: Riverdale (NA); Corner Lake (C); University (A) Amenities: Walking Trails, community playground Builder: Ashton Woods Homes, 407-787-9995 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the high $400s Notes: Close to the University of Central Florida and S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay); four parks and vibrant dining and shopping scene nearby.

Westhaven at Ovation 8818 Lakeshore Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • tollbrothers.com

Schools/Grades: Water Springs (NA); Water Springs (NA); Horizon (NA) Amenities: Community pool and cabana, wetlands and water features Builder: Toll Brothers, 877-431-0444 Product/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$400s Notes: Nestled in a natural setting; embodies tranquility with a picturesque location just minutes to shopping, dining, entertainment and schools.

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Westridge Park 11142 Amber Ridge Drive, Zellwood, FL 32798 • drhorton.com

Schools/Grades: Zellwood (B); Wolf Branch (NA); Apopka (C) Amenities: Park, tot lot, pool and cabana Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 877-415-0030 Product/Price: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Great location with easy access to S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway); Zellwood Station Golf Club and the West Orange Trail are nearby as are shopping and entertainment venues.

Winding Bay 15131 Mayberry Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • rockwell-homes.com

Schools/Grades: Water Spring (NA); Bridgewater (A); Windermere (B) Amenities: Pool and cabana with splash pad, playground, dog park, activity field Builders: Rockwell Homes, 407-890-0425 Product/Price: Single-family, from the mid-$500s Notes: Just minutes from S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway), which provides easy access to all major highways; 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport and Downtown Orlando and just 10 minutes from Walt Disney World, the Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital and the Horizon West Town Center.

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“#1 K–12 Private School” by Niche.com | www.lhps.org • 407-206-1900 ext. 1

SPRING 2022

SEMINOLE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

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On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Seminole County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2019-2020 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Celery Oaks 2040 Celery Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771 • LandseaHomes.com

Schools/Grades: Hamilton (C); Markham Woods (B); Seminole (B) Amenities: Recreation area, dog park, green space Builders: Hanover Family Builders, 407-565-7450 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Located less than a mile from the Downtown Sanford Historic District with its award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, eclectic art galleries, tree-lined streets, parks and nature trails as well as a spectacular marina with boating, fishing and dinner cruises.

Hawk’s Crest Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, FL 32792 • meritage.com

Schools/Grades: Eastbrook (B); Tuskawilla (B); Lake Howell (B) Amenities: Gated community; splash pad, lake, pond, park, playground, community pool, cabana, play lawn, picnic tables and grilling area Builders: Meritage Homes, 407-392-3380 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$400s Notes: Located along the southern shores of Lake Howell.

Kensington Reserve

FINAL OPPORTUNITY

3828 Hanworth Loop, Sanford, FL 32773• ryanhomes.com

Schools/Grades: Pinecrest (C); Sanford (A); Seminole (B) Amenities: Gated community, beach entry pool, cabana, playground Builders: Ryan Homes, 407-966-3086 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$400s Notes: Located minutes from shopping, dining and entertainment options; two miles from Sanford-Orlando International Airport.

Legacy Place 1583 Grand Rue Drive, Casselberry, FL 32707 • meritage.com

Schools/Grades: Sterling Park (B); South Seminole (B); Winter Springs (B) Amenities: Yoga lawn, dog park, tot lot, grilling area, putting green Builders: Meritage Homes, 844-244-2373 Product/Price: Townhomes, from the mid-$300s Notes: Located in the desirable Casselberry submarket only a few miles from S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and I-4; easy access to major employment centers.

Riverbend 4101 Silverstream Terrace, Sanford, FL 32771 • drhorton.com

FINAL OPPORTUNITY

Schools/Grades: Midway (C); Millennium (C); Seminole (B) Amenities: Pool and cabana, park Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 407-878-2284 Product/Price: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Near Sanford’s historic downtown district with local breweries, a trendy food scene and fun nightlife; also near the St. Johns River, New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach with direct access to S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and S.R. 415.

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River’s Edge 1501 Missouri Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771 • mybellavista.com

Schools/Grades: Wilson (A); Sanford (A); Seminole (B) Amenities: Gated community, tot park, walking trail Builder: Bellavista Homes, 407-873-6316 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$300s Notes: Located in a highly rated Seminole County school district, this gated community is near major transportation arteries and the Seminole Towne Center, the Downtown Sanford Historic District, Lake Monroe and the Central Florida Zoo.

Riverside Oaks 3682 Arbordale Loop, Sanford, FL 32771 • tollbrothers.com

Schools/Grades: Hamilton (C); Pine Crest (C); Midway (C); Millennium (C); Seminole (B) Amenities: Gated community, private residents’ clubhouse with a cabana and a swimming pool Builder: Toll Brothers, 407-605-6377 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $400s Notes: Located along the St. John’s River, close to golf courses, the Sanford Riverwalk and the Downtown Sanford Historic District; near regional universities and colleges, shopping and dining, beaches, and major highways, including I-4 and S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay).

Veranda Pines Pine Avenue, Oviedo, FL 32765 • pulte.com

Schools/Grades: Lawton (A); Jackson Heights (A); Oviedo (A) Amenities: 22 homesites nestled in three cul-de-sacs Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-214-3011 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid- to high $600s Notes: Located just minutes from the Cross Seminole Trail and S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay).

OSCEOLA COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

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On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Osceola County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2019-2020 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alexander Park 2652 Ham Brown Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746 • mybellavista.com

Schools/Grades: Sunrise (B); Horizon (B); Poinciana (C) Amenities: Community pool, cabana, tot park, recreation field Builder: Bellavista Homes, 407-873-6316 Products/Prices: Townhomes, new phase coming soon Notes: Intimate townhome community offering easy access to major roads and employment centers as well as shopping and dining.

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SPRING 2022

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OSCEOLA COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

Bellalago 1520 Gateway Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34746 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Bellalago Academy (K-8) (B); Liberty High (C) Amenities: Two 7,000-square-foot clubhouses, lifestyle center, multipool aquatic center, fitness center, water park and tot lot, tennis and basketball courts; nature and bike trails including a 1,300-foot lakefront boardwalk with gazebo; fishing pier and community boat ramp and lift Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-853-8598 Products/Prices: Single-family, call for prices Notes: Village Shoppes at Bellalago, located just outside the community, encompasses shops, restaurants, banks and a Publix supermarket with a drive-through pharmacy.

Cypress Cay 4511 Cypress Cay Way, Kissimmee, Florida 34746 • centex.com

Schools/Grades: Flora Ridge (C); Kissimmee (B); Poinciana (C) Amenities: Community pool, playground, walking trail, half-court basketball Builder: Centex Homes, 407-863-6587 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$300s Notes: Located just minutes from The Loop and area attractions.

Cypress Hammock 1237 Regal King Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34758 • LandseaHomes.com

Schools/Grades: Reedy Creek (C); Horizon (B); Poinciana (C) Amenities: Clubhouse, pool, playground Builder: Hanover Family Builders, 407-305-3701 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$300s; single-family, from the low $400s Notes: Located on Poinciana Boulevard within walking distance of the Kissimmee SunRail station; interest list now forming.

Glenwood 5354 Douglas Fir Drive, St. Cloud, FL 34771 • drhorton.com

FINAL OPPORTUNITY

Schools/Grades: Narcoossee (A); Narcoossee (A); Harmony (B) Amenities: Pool, walking trails Builder: D.R. Horton Homes, 407-850-5207 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the low $400s Notes: Located just off Florida’s Turnpike and near Lakeshore Park, with a beachfront playground, outdoor dining, a boat ramp and marina, picnic pavilions, a children’s splash pad and more; easy access to the Cocoa and Melbourne beaches, Orlando International Airport, Lake Nona’s Medical City, and regional attractions via S.R. 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and S.R. 528 (the Beachline Expressway).

Hanover Lakes 3325 Hickory Tree Road, St. Cloud, FL 34772 • LandseaHomes.com

Schools/Grades: Hickory Tree (B); St. Cloud (B); Harmony (B) Amenities: Resort-style pool and splash pad; boat access to pristine chain of lakes; homesites with private docks available; nature park with dock and pavilion; low HOA dues Builder: Hanover Family Builders, 407-315-2628 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $400s Notes: Unique waterfront community on the Alligator Chain of Lakes.

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Kindred 1508 Park Side Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34744 • drhorton.com

Schools/Grades: Neptune (C); Neptune (B); Gateway (C) Amenities: Clubhouse, pool, cabana, tennis, trails, playground, pavilion picnic areas, dog park, beach volleyball court, soccer fields Builder: D.R. Horton Homes, 407-978-6035 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the mid-$300s; single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Located in the heart of Kissimmee, with direct access to Florida’s Turnpike, Osceola Parkway, I-4; Osceola County’s NeoCity, a master-planned tech center, is nearby.

Reedy Reserve Townhomes 3312 Reedy Glen Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34758 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Hidden Oaks (B); Odyssey (B); Colonial (B) Amenities: Pool and cabana, playground, dog park Builder: Taylor Morrison, 407-756-5025 Product/Price: Townhomes, call for prices Notes: Featuring thoughtfully designed floorplans from Taylor Morrison’s Canvas Studio.

southern Pines 3921 Southern Vista Loop, St. Cloud, FL 34772 •taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Michigan Avenue (B); Saint Cloud (B); Saint Cloud (B) Amenities: Community pool, cabana, tot lot, ponds and conservation areas Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-250-8109 Products/Prices: Single-family, call for prices Notes: Located within the city of St. Cloud; easy access to Florida’s Turnpike as well as the employment and retail corridors of Narcoossee Road and U.S. 192.

split oak reserve Franklin Road and Leon Tyson Road, St. Cloud, FL 34771 • pulte.com

Schools/Grades: Narcoossee (B); Narcoossee (B); Harmony (B) Amenities: Resort-style pool, playground, walking trails Builder: Pulte Homes, 407-554-4438 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the $500s Notes: Located just 3 miles south of Lake Nona with no CDD; dining and shopping located off Narcoossee Road.

TOHOQUA 1706 Flourish Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34744 • tohoqua.com

Schools/Grades: Neptune (C); Neptune (B); St. Cloud (B) Amenities: Resort-style pool, clubhouse and events room, fitness center, tennis courts, playground and 5 miles of community trails Builders: Lennar Homes, 866-495-4059; Pulte Homes, 407-550-5534; Pulte Active Adult, 407-554-53733 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: New amenities center now open; located adjacent to a 370-acre conservation area with trails to Lake Tohopekaliga; 5 minutes from Florida’s Turnpike and walking distance to schools; wide variety of home designs and prices.

SPRING 2022

LAKE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

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On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Lake County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2019-2020 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ardmore Reserve 1312 Blarney Street, Minneola, FL 34715 • LandseaHomes.com

Schools/Grades: Grassy Lake (B); East Ridge (B); Lake Minneola (B) Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-965-2274 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $400s Notes: Located in the rolling hills of Minneola, close to elementary and high schools and just minutes from shopping, restaurants, and indoor and outdoor entertainment options, including the Minneola Athletic Complex and the South Lake Trail.

Bella Collina 16690 Cavallo Drive, Montverde, FL 34756 • bellacollina.com

Schools/Grades: Grassy Lake (A); East Ridge (A); Lake Minneola (A) Amenities: Nick Faldo-designed championship golf course, tennis club, fine-dining clubhouse, community pool, full-service spa and fitness center. Builders: Dream Finders Homes, 888-208-0483; Vogel Building Group, 407-230-4660; Primo Homes, 407-632-4501; J. Drewes Construction, 407-744-3133 Products/Prices: Condominiums, from the $300s; single-family, from the $500s to over $1 million Notes: Near Florida’s Turnpike, S.R. 429 (the Western Beltway) and S.R. 528 (the Beachline Expressway).

Crestview 2691 Ridgetop Lane, Clermont, Florida FL 34711 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Lost Lake (A); Windy Hill (B); Eastridge (B) Amenities: Planned amenities include gated entrance, resort-style pool, splashpad and cabana as well as tots lots and pocket parks. Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Product/Prices: Single-family, call for prices Notes: Gated community tucked in the rolling hills of Lake County; offers easy access to commuter routes and major job centers like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Maitland Center and downtown Orlando.

Hills of Minneola 2394 Gold Dust Drive, Minneola, FL • ashtonwoods.com

Schools/Grades: Astatula (B); East Ridge (A); Lake Minneola (A) Amenities: Tot lot, dog park, 60-acre green space. Builder: Ashton Woods Homes, 407-787-9995 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the $400s Notes: Located just off Lake Apopka; near Winter Garden as well as Lake Louisa State Park.

Sawgrass Bay

FINAL OPPORTUNITY

Sawgrass Bay Boulevard, Clermont, FL 34714 • homedynamics.com

Schools/Grades: Sawgrass Bay (C); Windy Hill (B); East Ridge (B) Amenities: Nature trails, playground, pool and cabana, conservation areas Builder: Home Dynamics, 352-988-5955 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the upper $300s Notes: Near Chain of Lakes, Lake Louisa State Park and Lakeridge Winery; 25 miles west of downtown Orlando; Sawgrass Bay Elementary School on site; close to championship golf courses.

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LAKE COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

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lake lincoln 19530 Lake Lincoln Lane, Eustis, FL 32736 • landseahomes.com

Schools/Grades: Eustis (C); Eustis (C); Eustis (C) Amenities: Dog park, walking trail, playground Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-392-2601 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: The stylish boutiques and restaurants of Eustis and the charm of historic downtown Mount Dora are both just a short drive away; greater Orlando is also easily accessible.

Summerbrooke 2250 Natoma Boulevard, Mount Dora, FL 32757 • parksquarehomes.com

Schools/Grades: Triangle (B); Mount Dora (B); Mount Dora (C) Amenities: Pool, trails, basketball courts, fitness center, tot lot, clubhouse, dog park Builder: Park Square Homes, 407-529-3108 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Set among the rolling hills of Lake County, the scenic beauty of Mount Dora is perfect for enjoying nature walks and the outdoors; just 2 miles from Mount Dora’s historic downtown shopping district.

preserve at Sunrise 121 Green Branch Boulevard, Groveland, FL 34736 • LandseaHomes.com Schools/Grades: Groveland (C); Gray (B); South Lake (C) Amenities: Conservation areas Builder: Landsea Homes, 407-325-9838 or 352-348.5949 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Low HOA dues, convenient to Florida’s Turnpike

The Canyons at Highland Ranch 516 Bellflower Way, Clermont, FL 34715 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Grassy Lake (B); East Ridge (B); Lake Minneola (B) Amenities: Park, pool, cabana, splash pad, mail kiosk, pet stations, 4 miles of walking trails Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-756-5025 Products/Prices: Single-family, call for prices Notes: Three beautiful collections of homes are offered; easy access to the 7-mile South Lake Trail; five public golf courses nearby.

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SPRING 2022

VOLUSIA COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

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On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Volusia County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2019-2020 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lincoln Oaks 2011 Buckhanon Trail, Deland, FL 32720 • ashtonwoods.com

Schools/Grades: Citrus Cove (B); Deland (C); Deland (C) Amenities: Community pool and cabana, nature trail Builder: Ashton Woods Homes, 321-204-6254 Product/Prices: Single-family, from the high $300s Notes: Historic Deland known as “the Athens of Florida,” offers easy access to Orlando, Lake Mary and Daytona as well as popular beaches, regional parks and one of Florida’s oldest private colleges, Stetson University.

Halifax Plantation 3500 Merritt Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 • halifaxplantation.com

Schools/Grades: Pine Trail (B); Ormond Beach (B); Seabreeze (B) Amenities: Gated community; clubhouse, restaurant, lounge, golf course, tennis courts, pool, fitness center Builders: D.R. Horton Homes, 877-415-0030, Landsea Homes, 407-759-6329, Vanacore Homes, 888-519-1309 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the mid-$300s Notes: Minutes to the Atlantic Ocean, the Intercoastal Waterway and Tomoka State Park.

Rivington 660 Kimber Lane, DeBary, FL 32713 • khov.com

Schools/Grades: DeBary (A); River Springs (B); University (B) Amenities: Community amenity center with pool and indoor/outdoor common areas Builder: K. Hovnanian Homes, 321-263-2681 Products/Prices: Townhomes, from the low $300s; single-family, from the high $300s Notes: A 296-acre master-planned community adjacent to the St. Johns River, west of U.S. Hwy. 17-92 and south of Konomac Lake; easy access to Lake Mary and Sanford employment centers and just a quarter mile from the DeBary SunRail station.

Venetian Bay 424 Luna Bella Lane, Suite 122, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 • venetianbay.info

Schools/Grades: Chisholm (B); New Smyrna Beach (B); New Smyrna Beach (B) Amenities: Golf course, driving range, putting green, splash pad, pool, clubhouse, restaurant, lounge Builders: Paytas Homes, 386-402-8185; Platinum Home Builders, 386-690-5339; The Johnson Group, 386-767-8000; D.R. Horton Homes, 844-509-7695; Meritage Homes, 855-588-6374 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $300s; townhomes, from the high $200s Notes: Close to beaches; miles of trails for walking or biking.

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POLK COUNTY - SELECTED NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES

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On the following pages you’ll find some of our favorite Central Florida new-home communities in Polk County. In addition to addresses, prices, product types, amenities and builders, the listings also show designated public schools. Elementary schools are first, middle schools are second and high schools are third. In parentheses alongside the schools are the 2019-2020 school grades, which are based on Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) scores, among other factors. School grades were not given for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lake Lucerne 108 Sunfish Drive, Winter Haven, FL 33881 • kbhome.com

Schools/Grades: Fred G. Garner (C); Denison (C); Winter Haven (N/A) Amenities: Near Lake Eva Park and Lake Eva Beach Builder: KB Home, 407-587-3580 Products/Prices: Single-family, from the low $300s Notes: Near 50 lakes for fishing, boating and skiing; convenient to employers, including Winter Haven Hospital and Publix corporate headquarters; near resorts, including Legoland Florida Resort and Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo; easy access to shopping and dining in Winter Haven; convenient to U.S. 27 and Polk Parkway.

Providence 131 Chadwick Drive, Davenport, FL 33837 • providenceflorida.com

Schools/Grades: Loughman Oaks (C); Shelley S. Boone (C); Ridge Community (C) Amenities: Gated community; Michael Dasher-designed 18-hole championship golf course; clubhouse and restaurant, resort-style pool, tennis courts, fitness center, volleyball court, children’s playground and picnic area Builders: ABD Development Company, 863-427-7528; Lennar 877-821-4943; FID Capital Group, 407-868-0186 Products/Prices: Single-family and townhomes, from the mid-$300s Notes: Exclusive waterfront and golf course homesites available.

Tierra del sol 5219 Tuscany Lane, Davenport, FL 33897 • taylormorrison.com

Schools/Grades: Citrus Ridge (C); A Civics Academy (C); Ridge Community (C) Amenities: Pool, cabana, tot lot Builder: Taylor Morrison Homes, 407-934-0075 Products/Prices: Single-family, call for prices Notes: Convenient to major employers including Walt Disney World Resort, Sea World and Universal Studios; nearby Posner Park, an 80-acre open-air shopping mall, offers an impressive variety of stores and restaurants as well as a Cinepolis IMAX Theater.

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HOME, SWEET, HOME

Stuff YOU NEED TO KNOW BY Marni Jameson My daughter and I are at the grocery store, and I’m patting watermelons. “This one’s good,” I say and load it in the cart. “How can you tell?” she asks. “You pat like this,” I show her, “then hold your hand still.” I hold my hand down on the rind. “If it vibrates after you stop patting you’ve got a juicy melon.” One good part about getting older is that you just know stuff. This alone almost makes up for lost skin tone. I’m not talking about stuff your kids know that you’ve forgotten, like how to graph a parabola, but stuff that matters: how long to cook a chicken, what to say at a funeral, how to lift a red wine stain, whom to tip and how much and how to pick a melon. Stuff you fretted about when you were younger. “How do you know this stuff?” “You will, too,” I tell her, “if you live long enough.” As I yammer on, I rub a spot off her cheek with my spit. Her face scrunches up as if I were rubbing in hydrochloric acid. “Would you spit on anyone besides your kids?” “Saliva is good for you. It’s loaded with enzymes that promote healing.” “How do you know that?” “Even dogs know that.” And so one generation hands down knowledge to the next. The same mentoring happens between veterans and novices in the workplace. In my case, for the past decade, I’ve been getting hand-medown knowledge from designer types. At first, they made me feel rough around the edges, like my blouse was too bright, because they notice everything — and judge. But eventually, they trained me to see how they see. During home staging projects, I’d watch them lower a picture hung too high, replace an area rug that was too small and rearrange accessories that were off balance. How do they know? I’d wonder. The way I know how to pick a melon. Pretty soon, décor choices in other people’s homes that I

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would have otherwise let slide started to annoy me, too. Next, I’m pushing my mother-in-law’s sofa closer to her coffee table and reorganizing a friend’s bookshelf. Fortunately, they don’t seem to mind, as long as I don’t spit on them. Here’s what else I now just know about decorating after years of hanging around design types — and now, you’ll know it, too. n ART. The normal advice is to hang art at eye level, but that rule has many exceptions. For one, whose eye level? A better rule is to hang art so it relates to its surroundings. For instance, art hung in a seating area could be lower to appeal to seated guests. Art in a foyer with a staircase or over a tall fireplace works fine above eye level. Hang for context. n COFFEE TABLES. Guests should be able to set down a drink without lifting their bottoms off the sofa. So leave 14 to 18 inches between the sofa and the table. n LIGHT FIXTURES. A room’s size dictates how big a hanging light fixture should be. The sum of the room’s width and length in feet equals the ideal fixture size in inches. So a 15-by-10 room should have a 25-inch fixture. When in doubt, scale up. When hanging a light over a dining or kitchen table, the bottom of the fixture should be 28 to 32 inches above the table — 28 inches if the ceiling is a standard eight feet, and closer to 32 if the ceiling is high. n AREA RUGS. Under a dining room table, a rug should extend at least two feet beyond the table’s edges, so chair legs don’t get hung up when chairs move in and out. More than 24 inches is better. In a sitting area, the front legs of the furniture (or all four) should sit on the rug to anchor it. Don’t have the rug float in the room like an island. For a room-sized rug, leave at least 8 inches of exposed hard floor around the edges. n DRAPES. Panels should hang either to right above the window sill or to the floor. Anything in between looks like a mistake. Make sheers behind panels the same length. The higher you hang your panels, the taller the room will feel. To make a window appear larger, hang panels so they extend equally onto the wall on either side of the window. n FURNITURE PLACEMENT. Allow at least two feet for walkways around furniture. Don’t block an entry to a room with furniture or otherwise create an obstacle course. And don’t create a walkway through a conversation space. Pull furniture — sofas, chairs, low tables and rugs — together to create a conversation space, which should fit inside an 8-foot square. People shouldn’t have to yell across the room. Allow at least three feet of clearance behind dining and desk chairs. Now you know. Pass it on. n

Marni Jameson is the author of six home and lifestyle books, including What to Do With Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want; Downsizing the Family Home: What to Save, What to Let Go; and Downsizing the Blended Home: When Two Households Become One. Reach her at marnijameson.com.

MAKE HEALTHIER MOVES They say home is where the heart is – but the rest of you lives here, too. Taylor Morrison is committed to making sure the healthiest move you can make is into a new home. That’s why we offer our TM LiveWellTM features including whole-home air filtration, clean water technologies, low VOC paint and healthy home products in every new home we build. Not as upgrades but as standard features.

Safer Paint. Healthier Air. Cleaner Water. Standard. taylormorrison.com/make-moves/Orlando | 407.756.5025 *TM LiveWell™ features are subject to availability for new purchase agreements and based on region, community and specific plans. Products may be changed for comparable or newly improved replacements or additions and may not be available in a limited number of completed homes. Details available. Nothing contained herein or in any related materials regarding the TM LiveWell™ included features as of a buyer’s Purchase Agreement Date is a guaranteed commitment on performance results and health benefits or independently verified and remain subject to change daily without notice by third party suppliers outside of Taylor Morrison’s control. All information (including, but not limited to prices, views, availability, school assignments and ratings, incentives, floor plans, elevations, site plans, features, brands, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change, availability or delay without notice. Any community improvements, recreational features and amenities described are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change and under no obligation to be completed. Maps and plans are not to scale, are not intended to show specific detailing and all dimensions are approximate. Prices may not include lot premiums, upgrades and options depending on stage of construction. Community Association or other fees may be required. This communication is not intended to constitute an offering in violation of the law of any jurisdiction and in such cases our communications may be limited by the laws of your state. Please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager or Internet Home Consultant for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers and complete licensing details per jurisdiction. For our Age Qualified Communities only: At least one resident of household must be 55 or older, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55 in limited circumstances. For minimum age requirements for permanent residents in a specific community, please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager for complete details. © February, 2021, Taylor Morrison, Inc. (“TM”). The TM LiveWell™ registered and unregistered marks are owned by TM. All rights reserved. ORL 02/18/21 3281

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find your calm

L A U R E AT E PA R K I N L A K E N O N A Brightly colored bungalows, townhomes, cottages and estate homes from six homebuilders priced from the high $200s to over $1 million

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