After several months of inquiries with Orange County and public records requests, HorizonWestInfo.com can exclusively report that the long-awaited Flemings Road connection to Sawgrass Bay is facing delays. An amendment to the Village I Road Network Agreement is moving through an approval process with an extended timeline for the connection, as the previous construction start goal of Fall 2024 has now passed. The proposed changes have passed the Orange County Roadway Agreement Committee but still require final approval from the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). Originally planned as a key east-west route to relieve traffic on Avalon Road (C.R. 545) and Hartzog Road, the delay means residents in Horizon West, Clermont, and Lake County will have to wait even longer before seeing benefits from the project.

This delay prolongs the lack of a direct connection between Clermont, Sawgrass Bay, and the growing Horizon West area, forcing drivers to continue using congested routes such as 192, Schofield Road, and Hartwood Marsh Road. Earlier this year, Lake County completed the Sawgrass Bay Boulevard extension to the future site of a roundabout, leaving only a few hundred feet between the two roads. In response, local residents began crossing this unpaved stretch, leading officials to barricade the road to prevent further use. Flemings Road was not designed to support additional traffic in its current state, making it unsuitable for regular travel. With Clermont’s population steadily increasing and expanding into the emerging Wellness Way area, demand for improved east-west connectivity continues to grow. However, the extended timeline means that Clermont drivers will continue to face longer commutes and limited alternative routes.

One of the key reasons for the delay is a shift in how the project is being funded. Instead of direct cash reimbursements from Orange County, developers will now receive Road Credits for their work, which they can apply toward future impact fees. While this approach keeps infrastructure costs tied to development, it also places the financial burden on developers upfront, potentially slowing the progress of construction. Additionally, the amended agreement requires that Segment 5, including improvements at the Avalon Road intersection, be completed before work begins on Segment 6, further stretching the timeline before the road is fully open.

The amended agreement also introduces Segment 7, a significant expansion that will expand New Hartzog Road as a four-lane divided roadway. This new segment extends from near Sunshine Harvest Drive westward to Avalon Road (C.R. 545), upgrading approximately 5,300 linear feet of new infrastructure. However, like the delayed Flemings Road connection, Segment 7 also faces a lengthy timeline, with construction not expected to start until late 2025 and completion potentially extending into 2026.

While the Roadway Agreement Committee’s approval moves the amendment forward, the final decision rests with the Board of County Commissioners. If the new amendment is passed, construction on the remaining road segments is expected to begin by March 31, 2025, with substantial completion now expected by September 30, 2026. Until then, commuters in Lake County will continue facing the challenges of rapid growth without the necessary road infrastructure to support it.

There are several differences between Lake and Orange County beyond road connectivity. Lake County permits short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, while Orange County has restrictions on them. School ratings also vary, with most Horizon West schools receiving A grades, whereas many Lake County schools have B ratings. Property values in Orange County are also generally higher, with similar home types often priced between $100,000 and $200,000 more than in Lake County.

Home builders that are either directly or have a subsidiary as a signatory to the Village I Road Network Agreement include K. Hovnanian, M/I Homes, Toll Brothers, Rockwell Homes, Taylor Morrison, and Ashton Woods.

No date was available on when this amendment will proceed in front of the Board of County Commissioners.