The Groveland City Council took a significant step toward advancing the city’s long-term vision for growth this week by approving the first reading of the Brighthill development, a project city leaders say closely aligns with priorities outlined in Groveland’s Strategic Plan.
City officials emphasized that Brighthill stands out not only for what is being built, but for how the project has been thoughtfully reshaped over the past year. City staff worked closely with the developer to ensure the proposal better reflects Groveland’s goals for smart, responsible, and balanced growth.
Envisioned as part of Groveland’s master development strategy, Brighthill is a mixed-use community consistent with the city’s Village Future Land Use designation. Plans include a mix of commercial and office space, along with townhomes, bungalows, garden homes, and large-lot estate homes. The development is located northwest of the State Road 19 and Florida’s Turnpike interchange, along O’Brien Road, west of State Road 19 and east of the Turnpike. It is planned to include 293 single-family units on just over 147 acres.
One of the most notable changes to the project is a substantial reduction in density. The development was scaled back from more than 5,500 previously approved residential units to just under 3,000—nearly cutting the number of homes in half. City leaders say this adjustment helps address density concerns while improving overall quality of life for future residents.
Brighthill is designed as a village-style community that meets Groveland’s new Village Code. The plan emphasizes walkability, with streets and pathways that allow residents to access parks, trails, schools, and nearby commercial areas without relying solely on vehicles. The development will include more than four miles of trails and over 500 acres of parks and open space, which will be accessible to the broader community.
Agriculture and conservation are also key elements of the project. The plan preserves scenic views, integrates green space throughout the community, and prioritizes the protection of natural resources. Land has been set aside for a centrally located school, allowing students to live nearby and travel safely via sidewalks and trails.
To help reduce traffic congestion, Brighthill provides convenient access to commercial areas near the enhanced Florida Turnpike interchange. The developer will be responsible for funding all required roadway improvements, as well as water and wastewater upgrades, stormwater infrastructure, and park amenities. No incentives or tax breaks are being provided by the city.
City leaders noted that while Groveland has approved a large number of residential units over the years, revisions to the Brighthill project alone have reduced the city’s overall approved housing count by approximately 10 percent.
The project is scheduled for a second reading in January. Officials say Brighthill demonstrates how Groveland’s Strategic Plan is actively guiding development decisions and shaping growth that is thoughtful, balanced, and focused on the community’s long-term needs.
Future phases of the development are expected to focus on additional residential areas and the commercial core near State Road 19 and the Florida Turnpike, as developers secure approvals for individual sections. The project aims to add diverse housing options and amenities, supporting continued growth in this key area of Groveland.
