Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh offered holiday greetings to residents while sharing several updates, including action on economic incentives, progress on a major development, infrastructure response, and water quality monitoring.
As the year comes to a close, Mayor Keogh thanked residents for their continued support and engagement.
“It’s been quite a year, with an even busier 2026 ahead,” Keogh said. “Thank you for all your support.”
Mayor Keogh and his wife, Vicki, wished residents a blessed holiday season and a bright New Year.
2025 City Of Groveland Highlights
City Moves to Recover Incentives from Kroger
The Groveland City Council voted unanimously to seek reimbursement from The Kroger Co. for incentive payments tied to the company’s grocery distribution center at Ford Commerce Park.
Under its agreement with the city, Kroger committed to meeting job and payroll requirements over a 15-year period. City officials determined those requirements were not met, placing the company in default of the agreement.
The city is seeking more than $1.4 million, which includes job growth incentives, property tax rebates, and waived impact and building permit fees. Kroger has been given until January 30, 2026, to repay the full amount.
Kroger’s distribution center opened in 2021. The company announced last month that it plans to close the facility and lay off its workforce by early February 2026.
City officials said they are disappointed by the closure and concerned about the impact on workers, while emphasizing the city’s responsibility to protect taxpayer dollars and enforce its agreements.
Kroger’s technology partner, Ocado Solutions USA, also received incentives. City officials said discussions with Ocado are ongoing.
Brighthill Project Reflects Strategic Plan
City Council also approved the first reading of the Brighthill development, a large project officials say reflects Groveland’s Strategic Plan and approach to balanced growth.
Over the past year, city staff worked with the developer to reduce the scope of the project. The number of residential units was cut from more than 5,500 previously approved homes to just under 3,000.
The Brighthill development includes a village-style layout with walkable streets, four miles of trails, and more than 500 acres of parks and open space. The project also prioritizes agriculture and conservation, includes land set aside for a centrally located school, and provides access to nearby commercial areas near the Turnpike interchange.
All roadway, water, wastewater, stormwater, and park improvements will be paid for by the developer, with no incentives or tax breaks provided.
City officials noted the reduction represents a 10 percent decrease in previously approved residential units citywide.
The project is scheduled for a second reading in January.
City Responds Quickly to Wastewater Incident
Mayor Keogh also recognized the city’s public works team for its response to a wastewater overflow at the Sampey Wastewater Treatment Facility on December 3.
Approximately 100,000 gallons of wastewater overflowed from a ditch on the site over a four-hour period. City staff were notified shortly after 6 am and stopped the overflow within minutes.
Cleanup began the same morning. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection reviewed the incident and confirmed that no additional remediation is required beyond routine cleanup.
Expanded Water Testing Adds Extra Assurance
Groveland recently joined cities nationwide participating in a national settlement with DuPont that provides expanded water testing at no cost to the city.
City officials said Groveland is not located near a DuPont facility, but participation allows for additional testing to supplement the city’s ongoing water quality monitoring.
The city routinely tests its drinking water to ensure it meets or exceeds all state and federal standards.
