City of Groveland Archives | South Lake Tablet

Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh’s Community Update

Michelle Delaney — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:14:24 +0000

As we prepare for one of Groveland’s biggest events of the year, it feels especially meaningful as our nation begins celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

For 250 years, generations of Americans have worked, sacrificed and served to preserve the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today. While our country has faced challenges along the way, I remain grateful for the values that unite us: liberty, self-government, personal responsibility and the belief that every generation has a role to play in building a stronger future.

As Mayor, I’m proud to serve a community that reflects those values every day. Whether it’s neighbors helping neighbors after a storm, volunteers giving their time to local causes, or residents participating in civic life, Groveland embodies the spirit that has made America strong for two and a half centuries.

This Independence Day, I hope we all take a moment to reflect on the blessings of living in this great nation and in this wonderful community we call home.

Straight Talk on Traffic, Water and Taxes – Residents are encouraged to attend the next Neighborhood Huddle on Wednesday, July 1, at 7 p.m. at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards. Topics will include the upcoming SR 50 Realignment Project, a stormwater improvement project near Lake David, temporary brown water concerns, planned water rate adjustments, and proposed changes to Florida’s homestead tax exemption.

Food trucks will begin serving at 6 p.m., and residents are invited to bring questions and share concerns directly with city leaders.

Celebrate Independence Day at Lake David Park – Groveland’s annual Fourth of July Celebration returns Saturday, July 4, from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Lake David Park. Sponsored by South Lake Electric, the event features family activities, food trucks, a Kids Zone, live entertainment by Randall Crawford and Maiden Cane, and a fireworks spectacular beginning at 9:15 p.m.

Downtown Stormwater Improvements Begin This Month – A major stormwater infrastructure project near Lake David will begin in July to help reduce flooding and improve park access. Residents should watch for updates regarding temporary road closures, detours and park impacts through city communication channels.

Community Helps Students Prepare for School – The City is collecting school supplies for its upcoming Back-to-School Backpack Bash. Donations of new items such as notebooks, pencils, paper, scissors and glue sticks can be dropped off weekdays at Parks & Community Services on North Main Avenue.

Summer Adventure Camp Registration Open – Children ages 5 to 13 can enjoy fishing, archery and outdoor activities during the Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp at Cherry Lake Park, July 27-31. The cost is $35 per child, and advance registration is required.

Stay Involved – Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming City Council, Planning & Zoning, Recreation Advisory Committee, Ethics Committee and budget workshop meetings throughout July. Community members can also support local families through school supply drives and toy donations during Christmas in July events.

As always, Groveland’s success depends on an engaged and informed community. The City looks forward to seeing residents at these upcoming events and meetings.

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Boil Water Advisory Notice and Sunshine Water Treatment Plant Service Interruption

Michelle Delaney — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:26:35 +0000

On Monday, June 29 at approximately 7:00 pm, a nearby lightning strike caused a power surge at the City of Groveland’s Sunshine Water Treatment Plant, resulting in an interruption of operations until approximately 10:00 pm.

An estimated 3,000 homes and businesses were impacted for approximately three hours that evening. Low-lying areas experienced reduced water pressure, while upland areas experienced a full loss of water service. These figures are preliminary estimates and will be confirmed upon completion of the investigation.

As a precaution, a boil water notice was issued at 8:30 pm on June 29 for all customers within the affected service area. The notice is expected to remain in effect by the end of the day on Thursday, pending final water quality testing and confirmation that all regulatory standards have been met.

The City recognizes the inconvenience this situation has caused and understands the additional time and effort required of residents and businesses during a boil water notice.

For residents in need of bottled water, a case may be picked up free of charge at Cherry Lake Park from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 30, and from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, July 1.

Residents may also contact the Resident Information Line at 352-306-6495 for updates.

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Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh’s News Highlights

Michelle Delaney — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:11:58 +0000

Your Voice, Our Direction:

What We Heard From Our First Community Survey

Earlier this month, we launched our first-ever community survey and the response was clear: Groveland residents care deeply about where our city is headed and want to be part of shaping the future.

We introduced this new engagement program to give more residents a voice in city decisions through quick, anonymous surveys, helping us better understand your priorities and make more informed choices.

What We Heard – Across the board, several themes rose to the top. Residents told us that public safety, road improvements and managing growth are among the most important priorities for our city. You also emphasized the importance of maintaining quality infrastructure and preserving Groveland’s character as we continue to grow.

Just as important, many of you shared a desire for clear communication and transparency, wanting to stay informed about projects, decisions and how your tax dollars are being used.

One thing stood out: many of you don’t think you’re getting your money’s worth from the taxes you pay. This isn’t surprising, especially given the higher price of groceries and gas right now. We’ll be asking for more specifics in future surveys.

Why It Matters – The results of this and future surveys are more than just feedback: they’re a roadmap. They will help guide how we prioritize projects, allocate resources and plan for the future. Whether it’s investing in roads, expanding public safety services or improving communication, your input is directly shaping the work we do every day.

Keep the Conversation Going – If you haven’t signed up to take the surveys yet, please do so. Groveland works best when we work together and this is one more way we can listen, learn and move forward as one community.

Big Opportunity for Small Businesses – We recently celebrated an important investment in Groveland’s local business community: the groundbreaking of 1st American Way in the Christopher C. Ford Commerce Park.

This new small-bay industrial development will include three buildings with flexible spaces sized between 1,500 and 4,500 s.f. to support day-to-day operations, services and trades that residents rely on. With convenient access to the Turnpike, U.S. 27 and State Road 19, it will help strengthen connections between local businesses and the customers they serve. The first tenants are expected in early 2027.

K-9 Team Takes Drugs Off Streets – I’d like to take a moment to recognize the outstanding work of our Groveland Police Department, especially K-9 Officer Eastridge and his four-legged partner, Xena.

The 55-pound Belgian Malinois recently helped locate 104 grams of methamphetamine inside an abandoned building. That represents hundreds of individual doses and anyone in possession of that amount would be considered a drug trafficker.

This kind of work often happens behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in keeping our neighborhoods safe. Our K-9 team is an essential part of that effort, assisting with searches, investigations and crime prevention every day.

Faster Care When Every Second Counts – In an emergency, seconds matter. That’s why Groveland has equipped every fire vehicle with advanced medical capabilities, allowing life-saving care to begin the moment crews arrive.

Our firefighters and EMTs can immediately respond to cardiac events, serious injuries and other medical emergencies with both the tools and training needed to stabilize patients on scene.

The impact of speed is well documented. During cardiac arrest, a person’s chance of survival decreases by 7–10% for every minute without CPR or defibrillation, and faster response times are directly linked to better outcomes.

By investing in advanced care, we’re improving response times and giving people the best possible chance when it matters most.

Private Investment to Pay for Improved Turnpike Interchange – We recently reached an agreement that represents a major milestone for Groveland’s future.

As part of its new master-planned community Brighthill, the Eisenhower Group has committed to funding major improvements to our Turnpike interchange, representing a private investment of $50 to $70 million. The group has already paid $7 million in impact fees. This is a significant partnership that will help advance critical infrastructure without placing that burden on taxpayers.

Improvements to the interchange will enhance mobility along the U.S. 27 corridor, support local businesses and help diversify Groveland’s tax base.

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Tim Maslow Named Interim City Manager for Groveland

Michelle Delaney — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:56:21 +0000

Tim Maslow will serve as Interim City Manager for the Groveland until a permanent replacement is named for outgoing City Manager Mike Hein.

Maslow currently serves as the City’s Community and Economic Development Director. Since joining Groveland in 2019, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the community’s growth and long-term vision. Under his leadership, the City adopted a comprehensive new Future Land Use framework and Community Development Code rooted in traditional town planning principles, with a distinctive emphasis on agrarian urbanism and preserving Groveland’s natural charm.

Since the adoption of these guiding documents, Groveland has emerged as one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities, balancing thoughtful planning with strategic economic development.

To complement the rapid expansion of employment centers within Ford Commerce Park, Maslow has helped guide the planning of several new walkable villages. These communities are designed to provide a diverse range of housing options, with a strong focus on affordability, connectivity, and access to nature.

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Groveland City Manager Mike Hein Announces Resignation

Michelle Delaney — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:19:30 +0000

Michelle Delaney, South Lake Tablet

The City of Groveland was met with unexpected news, when City Manager Michael Hein announced he has offered his resignation after eight years in the role.

In a message to city staff dated Friday, February 13, Hein described the decision as anything but easy.

“I want to share that I have made the difficult decision to offer my resignation as Groveland’s City Manager,” Hein wrote. “‘Difficult’ may be an understatement.”

While Hein’s message reflected pride in the accomplishments achieved during his tenure, it did not specify the reasons behind his departure—leaving many in the community asking: Why now? What prompted the decision after nearly a decade of leadership? And what comes next for the rapidly growing city?

Hein pointed to what he characterized as significant progress during his time with the city.

“Since I began my role eight years ago, we’ve made some incredible changes, course-corrections and transformations that have made our city stronger and more resilient,” he wrote. “Together, we’ve achieved what other cities have only dreamed about.”

Among the highlights Hein cited were the creation of higher-paying local jobs through more than four million square feet of commercial development, the establishment of public-private partnerships to support Groveland’s expanding population, and the securing of substantial grant funding to offset costs for residents.

“I’ll share how we created local, higher-paying jobs by securing more than four million square feet in commercial development,” Hein stated. “I’ll describe the public and private partnerships we developed to support our ever-expanding community. I’ll talk about how much grant money we secured to help offset costs our citizens would have otherwise had to pay.”

picture by Larry Oskin

He also referenced the advancement of the long-awaited bypass project, calling it an innovative step that laid groundwork for the city’s future, and praised Groveland’s public safety services as “one of the best public safety departments in the country.”

Beyond projects and metrics, Hein’s emotional farewell carried a personal tone.

“But beyond our accomplishments, I’ll talk most about the people of Groveland, including all of you,” he wrote to city staff. “You’ve welcomed me, worked with me, challenged me and frankly made me a better administrator.”

Hein expressed appreciation for the community’s character, noting the “beautiful sunsets,” rural landscape and “kind words from neighbors” that shaped his experience.

“I’ve come to love and cherish our wonderful little community and even on the toughest days, I’ve never failed to appreciate our beautiful sunsets, our rural settings, kind words from neighbors and those I will forever call friends,” he wrote.

Hein indicated that department meetings would be held to allow staff to ask questions of the senior leadership team, which will continue managing the city’s operations until the City Council determines its next course of action.

“Shortly, you’ll have the chance to meet with your departments and ask questions of your senior leadership team, who will continue to manage the city until the council decides on a course of action,” Hein stated.

He emphasized that his resignation should not overshadow the ongoing work of city employees.

“Remember, this small decision doesn’t change the very large contributions you make every day,” he wrote. “Continue to do everything possible to make Groveland the City With Natural Charm.”

As Groveland moves forward, residents and stakeholders are likely to seek clarity about the timing and circumstances of Hein’s resignation. Was the decision driven by personal considerations, professional opportunities, policy differences, or broader strategic changes? For now, those questions remain unanswered.

For many, Hein’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the city’s recent history—one defined by rapid growth, infrastructure expansion and evolving community identity.

City Council members voted Tim Maslow (Community and Economic Development Director) as Groveland’s Interim City Manager while searching for Groveland’s next city manager.

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Groveland Welcomes Michelle Michnoff As City’s First Chief Operating Officer

Michelle Delaney — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000

The City of Groveland has announced the appointment of Michelle Michnoff as its first-ever Chief Operating Officer, marking a significant step in strengthening municipal operations and enhancing service delivery for residents.

Michnoff brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience, along with a strong background in organizational management and operational excellence. In her new role, she will oversee several key internal service departments, including Finance, Budget, Utility Billing, Procurement, Human Resources, and Information Technology.

City officials say the creation of the Chief Operating Officer position reflects Groveland’s continued focus on efficient operations, coordinated departmental performance, and responsible growth. With Michnoff’s leadership, the city expects to further streamline internal processes and reinforce the essential support systems that keep daily services running smoothly.

Her appointment represents a milestone for the City of Groveland and underscores its commitment to responsive governance and high-quality service for the community.

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City Of Groveland Launches New Community Survey Program To Better Understand Residents’ Priorities and Preferences

Michelle Delaney — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:23:56 +0000

To engage more residents in the business of the city, Groveland has launched a new resident engagement program that uses community surveys to understand residents’ priorities and preferences. Insights from the data will help the city council and staff shape future decisions.

A third-party research firm called FlashVote will administer the short, five-question surveys several times a year and within 48 hours, all the results will be available to the public. Responses are completely anonymous to encourage candor.

To sign up, residents can visit www.flashvote.com/grovelandfl and register to become part of the survey panel. Once enough residents have signed up, the first survey will be deployed. Residents can respond on any device – mobile, laptop or desktop – and surveys are offered in English and Spanish.

“As leaders, we work for our residents and invest tax dollars on their behalf” said Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh. “We believe it’s vital to hear voices we’re not currently hearing.”

He said the city is communicating in more ways than ever through neighborhood huddles, open houses, social media and direct outreach, but council events and committee meetings remain sparsely attended.

“If residents sign up and take the surveys, they’ll have much greater representation and more say in the city’s future.”

Registration is open and all Groveland residents are invited to sign up. The first survey will be designed to poll residents on what they believe to be the city’s most important priorities. Sign up to share your thoughts through quick, anonymous one-minute surveys.

Don’t miss the first survey, coming soon.

Watch to learn more:

Video in English

Video in Spanish

Add Your Voice

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Groveland Invites Public Input on City’s Future Through Comprehensive Plan Review (Jan 21)

Michelle Delaney — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:18:44 +0000

The City of Groveland is inviting residents to help shape its future by participating in an upcoming joint briefing focused on updates to the city’s Comprehensive Plan—a long-range document that guides growth, development, and quality of life over the next 20 years.

The Evaluation and Appraisal Review (EAR) briefing will take place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10:00 am at the E.L. Puryear Building, located at 243 N. Lake Avenue in Groveland. The meeting is open to the public.

This joint briefing will bring together the Groveland City Council, Planning and Zoning Board, Community Redevelopment Agency Board, Recreation Advisory Committee, and the Strategic Plan Committee to review the city’s Comprehensive Plan and discuss potential updates.

Cities are required every seven years to conduct an Evaluation and Appraisal Review of their Comprehensive Plan. This process serves as a community “check-up” to ensure that the city’s vision for growth, housing, parks, infrastructure, and services remains balanced and aligned with residents’ needs.

City officials note that the Comprehensive Plan is the cornerstone of how Groveland grows and adapts over time. It helps preserve the city’s natural charm while ensuring that new development is supported by adequate roads, water, parks, schools, and other essential services. As Groveland continues to grow, the plan also supports a concurrency system designed to maintain a strong quality of life by balancing development with available infrastructure.

In addition to attending the January 21 briefing, residents are encouraged to share their thoughts by completing an online survey available through the project website. The survey is accessible by scanning the QR code on the flyer and is available in both English and Spanish.

The survey closes on January 15, 2026, and community members are urged to participate before the deadline.

Residents with questions or who would like additional information may contact Alan Booker or DeWayne Jones at planning@groveland-fl.gov.

City leaders emphasize that public input is a vital part of the process, encouraging residents to make their voices heard as Groveland plans for the future.

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Brighthill Development Moves Forward, In line With Groveland’s Strategic Plan

Michelle Delaney — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 02:13:10 +0000

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.

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Groveland Seeks More Than $1.4 Million in Incentive Repayments from Kroger Following Facility Closure

Michelle Delaney — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:24:47 +0000

Groveland City Council members voted unanimously this week to pursue more than $1.4 million in incentive repayments from The Kroger Co., citing the company’s failure to meet job creation requirements tied to the establishment of its grocery distribution center at Ford Commerce Park.

Under an incentive agreement approved by the city, Kroger committed to building and operating a 350,000-square-foot distribution facility that would create and maintain at least 60 jobs for a 15-year period, with an average annual payroll of $3.6 million. City officials now say Kroger is in default of that agreement, triggering a full reimbursement of incentives already received.

As a result, Kroger must repay all per-job incentives and ad valorem tax rebates issued for tax years 2022 through 2024, along with the value of impact fees and building permit fees waived by the city as part of the deal. Kroger is also ineligible for incentive or rebate payments for tax year 2025.

The city has set a refund deadline of January 30, 2026.

Breakdown of Kroger Repayment Request:

Job Growth Incentive: $104,000.00
Ad Valorem Tax Rebates: $209,892.37
Impact Fees Waived: $390,603.36
Building Permit Fees Waived: $755,737.76

Total Requested from Kroger: $1,460,233.49

Kroger’s technology partner, Ocado Solutions USA Inc., also received an incentive package tied to the project. To date, Ocado has received the following payments:

Ocado Incentives Received:

Job Growth Incentive: $60,000.00
Ad Valorem Tax Rebates: $742,917.10

Total Received by Ocado: $802,917.10

City officials confirmed that discussions with Ocado representatives are ongoing regarding potential repayment or resolution.

The Kroger distribution center opened in June 2021, bringing significant employment to the area. However, on November 18, 2025, Kroger announced plans to close the Groveland facility, laying off 935 on-site employees and an additional 500 employees across Florida by February 1, 2026.

City leaders emphasized that the incentive program was designed to ensure long-term economic benefits for Groveland and that enforcing repayment provisions is necessary to protect taxpayer interests when contractual obligations are not met.

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