Panther Run development unveils vision for jobs, conservation and growth in South Lake County
Plans for the largest land sale in Lake County history are coming into focus as developers unveiled details for Panther Run, a 2,241-acre master-planned community designed to bring new jobs, housing, transportation improvements and conservation to South Lake County.
Purchased for $165 million in September 2024 by Fort Lauderdale-based GT USA, the Panther Run development is expected to become a key part of the county's long-term Wellness Way vision, first established in 2016.
At the heart of the project is a focus on economic development. More than 1 million square feet of employment space is planned, with nearly 200 acres dedicated to business and commercial uses. County officials estimate the project will create more than 3,000 jobs in industries including healthcare, finance, technology, research and development, advanced manufacturing, hospitality and tourism.
Despite its size, most of the property will remain untouched by development. Approximately 72.5% of Panther Run will be preserved as lakes, wetlands, conservation areas and open space, including a wildlife corridor designed to strengthen the Florida Wildlife Corridor and protect natural habitats. The name of the development was chosen as a nod to the importance of conservation in planning the community.
Residential neighborhoods will occupy roughly 16% of the property, featuring approximately 2,600 homes ranging from starter homes to executive residences and retirement communities. The neighborhoods will be connected by 11 miles of walking and cycling trails and 20 community parks, emphasizing outdoor recreation and healthy living.
More than four miles of new roadways will extend County Road 455 north and south while creating a direct connection to State Road 516. Officials say the new roads are expected to ease congestion in south Clermont and nearby Sawgrass Bay communities.
Land has also been reserved for future public facilities, including a proposed high school to serve South Lake County and an 8-acre public safety complex that could house both a fire station and a sheriff's substation.
"We appreciate this opportunity to partner with Lake County on the execution of this portion of Wellness Way, where GT USA has designed a site with stakeholders' needs in mind," said Doug Bruk, chief operating officer of GT USA. He added that the company continues discussions with county officials regarding the proposed public safety complex and high school.
According to land-use attorney Tara Tedrow, who represents the project, the development aligns with Lake County's long-established growth strategy.
"The county provided the vision for Wellness Way in its Comprehensive Plan, first approved in 2016," Tedrow said. "The Panther Run plan meets and, in some cases, exceeds the county's requirements. We are not seeking amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, only approval of the planned unit development."
Additional features of the community include tourist homes projected to generate an estimated $6 million annually in tourist development taxes, while preserving significant natural areas throughout the property.
Developers expect construction to begin during the first quarter of 2027.
GT USA will host a public open house on Aug. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center, where residents can learn more about the project and review development plans.