Foot Traffic Falters at Flamingo Crossings as Flemings Road Faces Further Fallout

Flamingo Crossings in Horizon West

The planned connection between Sawgrass Bay Boulevard and Flemings Road is likely going to be delayed from its original completion date of January 1, 2026, to a proposed date of November 30, 2026 (with no assurances or confidence that the county and the developers will be able to meet the new proposed deadline). The impact isn't just impacting Lake County residents and service workers; it's also being felt by businesses in Flamingo Crossings off of Western Way and Hartzog Road.

Currently, a concrete barricade blocks the existing road where Sawgrass Bay meets Flemings, even though the roadway physically connects Orange and Lake Counties as of earlier this year. While the long-term plan is to expand Flemings Road into a four-lane divided, negotiations that have been ongoing for over three years regarding the Horizon West Village I Road Network Agreement are delaying the original completion date.

This delay affects more than traffic flow; it also limits access to nearby commercial centers. Many Four Corners residents, including over 3,000 single-family homes located just off of Sawgrass Bay Boulevard, would assuredly frequent Flamingo Crossings as their regular shopping and dining area if the road were opened. For residents on the eastern side of Sawgrass Bay Boulevard, Flamingo Crossings would be even closer than Cagan's Crossing located in southern Lake County. As it stands, Cagan's Crossing is the only shopping center with numerous dining and retail options in the area. Unfortunately, that area is mainly comprised of nationwide fast-food chains and casual dining chains, leaving nearby residents bereft of unique and local-owned dining opportunities.

The now defunct Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co at the Flamingo Crossings Town Center

And this delay has also impacted Flamingo Crossings businesses. Without steady customer flow from nearby communities, several Flamingo Crossings businesses have already closed. Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. and Ben & Jerry's are among the recent departures. Others, like Hash House A Go Go, have reduced hours due to lower-than-expected foot traffic.

The delayed road connection means potential customers in southern Lake County have to take longer, more congested routes to reach Flamingo Crossing, which ultimately means that they are not frequenting the area. While the long-term expansion plan of Flemings Road may improve traffic infrastructure in the future, the current delay is having a real ongoing effect on small businesses that depend on visibility and accessibility.