During its July 6 meeting, the Groveland City Council approved the South Lake Avenue & Cherry Street Streetscape and Stormwater Improvements Project’s construction contract, a $2.8 million infrastructure investment with partial grant funding provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Commerce. The project will improve downtown infrastructure, pedestrian safety, accessibility, and stormwater management.

Construction began Tuesday, July 7, with Phase 1 of the project requiring the closure of South Lake Avenue between Cherry Street and Magnolia Street for approximately two months. Motorists will be detoured via South Main Avenue and are encouraged to follow posted detour signs and allow additional travel time.

The project will be completed in three phases over approximately 150 days and includes improvements designed to enhance the downtown corridor for residents, visitors, and businesses.

Project improvements include:

• Installation of new underground stormwater infrastructure to improve drainage and reduce flooding.
• Reconstruction of more than 30,000 square feet of roadway, curb, and sidewalk, with portions of the historic brick roadway recycled into the project.
• Construction of more than 800 linear feet of new 6-foot-wide sidewalks improving pedestrian connectivity and accessibility.
• Safety enhancements at five pedestrian crosswalks.
• Addition or improvement of more than 20 on-street parking spaces.
• Streetscape improvements near the Lake David shoreline, including a new retaining wall, stormwater improvements, and a new 6-foot-wide sidewalk.

The Lake David Center and Lake David boat ramp will remain open and accessible during construction. Visitors are encouraged to follow posted signage and use caution when traveling near the project area. The Lake David Center and Lake David boat ramp will remain open and accessible during construction. Visitors are encouraged to follow posted signage and use caution when traveling near the project area.

The project is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure while creating a safer, more accessible, and more attractive downtown district. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use caution while traveling through the construction area and to continue supporting downtown businesses during construction.

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