At the recent Clermont City Council meeting, city leaders discussed the potential purchase of two downtown properties long considered key to addressing parking challenges in the city’s historic core.
For more than a decade, the City of Clermont has leased the DeHoyos property located north of West Minneola Avenue between 7th and 8th Streets for use as a public parking lot. During that time, the City has also expressed interest in purchasing the property outright. However, previous offers to buy the land were declined by the property owner.
Ms. DeHoyos recently met with city officials to revisit the possibility of purchasing her downtown properties. During that meeting, Ms. DeHoyos indicated she would consider selling two of her parcels and invited the City to make an offer.
The first property is located north of West Minneola Avenue, between 7th and 8th Streets and south of West Osceola Street. The second parcel lies north of West Osceola Street, south of Carroll Street, and west of 5th Street. The property is currently leased by the city for parking and located next to SunCreek Brewery.
Following discussions, the City made a formal offer on October 1, 2025, to purchase both properties. The properties were appraised for $4.7 million. On October 6, Ms. DeHoyos contacted the City Manager’s Office and agreed to sell the properties for $4.5 million.
City staff has recommended that Council authorize the City Manager to proceed with the purchase for an amount not to exceed $4.5 million. The total cost would be covered through a budget amendment utilizing General Fund cash reserves. As of the end of September, Clermont’s unaudited General Fund balance exceeded the required 25% reserve by approximately $12.5 million, leaving ample funds available for the acquisition.
The potential purchase of the DeHoyos properties represents the next step in Clermont’s long-term efforts to improve downtown parking.
In highlighting the city’s long-term vision for a vibrant and walkable downtown, Clermont Mayor Tim Murry emphasized the importance of the DeHoyos property acquisition as a cornerstone for future development stating, “The acquisition of the DeHoyos property is a major step forward for our community. Ownership of this property ensures that future development will align with community goals and the city’s master plan, rather than being dictated by private interest. Clermont gains the flexibility to thoughtfully plan for the property‘s best use while exploring a range of options for the site, including parking, public space, economic development or a mixed-use project that enhances the character and energy of Clermont’s downtown”.
The Clermont Mayor reflected on what the acquisition means for the city’s future growth and downtown revitalization stating, “For more than 15 years, city leaders have identified this property as a key component in Clermont’s continued downtown revitalization. This purchase will allow the city to take a proactive approach in shaping development that aligns with our vision for a vibrant, walkable and thriving downtown.”
The City’s 2015 Downtown Master Plan identified the need for a parking garage to support future growth. In 2020, a parking study confirmed that additional parking would be required as leases expired and redevelopment occurred. At that time, the City evaluated potential garage sites and selected a 1.67-acre parcel at Clermont City Hall as a possible location.
Atkins Engineering was later tasked with developing a detailed concept and cost estimate for a 350- to 360-space parking garage. The design included amenities such as rooftop solar panels, EV charging stations, elevators, and an observation deck. However, even after scaling back some of the enhancements, the estimated cost remained between $13.5 million and $16 million, leading the City to conclude the project was not financially feasible at the time.
Clermont continued to explore practical, cost-effective parking solutions. In August 2023, the City Council approved paving city-owned property between Victory Pointe and Salt Shack to create additional public parking near downtown.
The acquisition of the DeHoyos property will provide valuable flexibility for future downtown parking development and strengthen the City’s ability to meet the growing needs of residents, visitors, and businesses.
