by Michelle D, South Lake Tablet
Nestled among the rolling hills of Lake County, the city of Minneola has long honored its name—“much water,” a Native American reference to the area’s abundant lakes. While many of Lake County’s original indigenous place names have faded, Minneola proudly maintains its historical identity while surging forward as one of Central Florida’s most desirable communities.
In 1881, Henry Wilson arrived and planted a flourishing citrus grove that became central to Minneola’s early economy. Just a year later, George W. Hull of Duluth, Minnesota, settled on nearly 200 acres along what was then known as Cow House Lake. Hull established the area’s first post office and served as its first postmaster.
Hull is credited with founding the city of Minneola, laying out the original town site and helping to secure a formal survey and town map in 1884. Both the town and lake received the name “Minneola,” chosen by Hull’s wife. At that time, the town was part of Sumter County, and the plat was recorded in Sumterville.
Minneola’s citrus groves remained a mainstay until the devastating freezes of the late 1980s forced a shift. During the 1990s, the city faced challenges, yet remained determined to reinvent itself—and today, those efforts are paying off.
On July 17, the South Lake Chamber of Commerce breakfast was held at Sterling Event Venue, located at 20524 County Rd 455. The focus of the morning was MINNEOLA. Minneola Mayor Pat Kelley shared highlights of the city’s dramatic transformation. “Minneola is growing at an incredible pace,” said Mayor Kelley. “We are building on our history with thoughtful planning and bold investments.”
During the presenetation, the Mayor brought those responsible for various projects to proudly showcase their plans.
Some major projects shaping Minneola horizons in 2025 include:
The Hills Town Center – A $300 million mixed-use development spanning 126 acres will include retail, dining, entertainment venues. The Town Center promises to be a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.
Road Expansions – Improved roadways will ease congestion and reduce commute times to Orlando and neighboring areas. U.S. Highway 27 continues to serve as a vital corridor through the city.
Advent Health Minneola, located by Hancock Road and the Turnpike, will be a state-of-the-art hospital featuring 80 beds and a 24-hour emergency department, which will greatly expand local healthcare access. It schedule for completion by December 2025.
Crooked Can Brewery – Not far from the new hospital, the new 40,000-square-foot facility will serve as the brewery’s headquarters and will include live entertainment. The brewery is expected to open mid-May 2026 and become a popular gathering spot for both residents and visitors, contributing to the area’s economic and social vitality.
Minneola Horizon Academy, a new K–8 school, will open Fall 2025 in the Hills of Minneola. This is a proud moment for Lake County Schools which recently received an “A” rating, underscoring the district’s commitment to academic excellence. Special recognition was given to its superintendent Diane Kornegay.
Parks, Trails, and Recreation – Ongoing development of green spaces and trails will provide new opportunities for outdoor activity. Heroes Memorial Park, a tribute to veterans and first responders, is in its planning stages for placement near Lake Minneola in the city’s historic district.
Minneola Library – the brand-new 5,800 sq ft. building is designed to serve as a beacon of community learning and pride. The library will offer: Modern meeting rooms and gathering spaces; A dedicated teen room and youth programming; Events and workshops for all ages; technology access and digital resources.
Minneola Schoolhouse Library, located at 100 S Main Ave, in the historic part of Minneola, will be repurposed into a community bookstore.
Fire Station #89, located next to City Hall, is nearing completion. The two-story, 15,000-square-foot facility, will provide for living quarters and workspace on the first floor and administrative offices and Operation on the second floor.
The recently renovated Minneola Executive Center, located at 506 US Highway 27, now features 12 executive suites and two state-of-the-art conference rooms, available for public rental. This modernized business hub is designed to attract entrepreneurs, remote workers, and local professionals.
Looking Ahead: As Minneola continues to grow, the city remains focused on quality of life, thoughtful development, and community spirit. With strategic investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and recreation, the city is positioning itself as a dynamic destination for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
From its roots as a citrus hub to its emergence as a thriving, forward-thinking community, Minneola has proven it is not only a great place to live—but a city with a bright and promising future.
