Palm Bay, FL, could soon see one of its largest development projects take shape, with a proposal to transform over 1,000 acres of land just outside the city limits into a master-planned community known as SunTerra Lakes. Spearheaded by JEN Florida 48, LLC, this ambitious development promises to bring 3,246 single-family homes and a 398,000-square-foot commercial center, all anchored by a stunning 125-acre lake.
This project is more than just another housing development—it's a vision for a fully integrated, self-sustaining community that includes residential spaces, commercial hubs, and outdoor amenities. But as with any large-scale development, it hasn’t come without its share of controversy. Here’s what you need to know.
A Quick Overview of the SunTerra Lakes Project:
Location: Babcock Street and Micco Road, Palm Bay, FL
Residential Units: 3,246 single-family homes, part of a total 2,700 residential units planned
Commercial Space: 398,000 sq. ft. dedicated to retail, dining, and other services
Feature: A picturesque 125-acre lake at the heart of the community
Developer: JEN Florida 48, LLC
Projected Start Date: Groundbreaking expected
by Q2 2025
But that’s not all. As SunTerra Lakes aims to join other large-scale developments in Palm Bay, such as Ashton Park and Everlands, it’s contributing to a larger wave of transformation across the region. Ashton Park, for instance, promises over 4,000 single-family units, while Everlands will add another 1,238 homes on 450 acres.
Brevard County has become one of Florida’s most attractive regions for growth, fueled by several factors:
Space Industry: The area is home to major aerospace giants like Northrup Grumman, Lockheed Martin, L3 Harris Technologies, and SpaceX, along with Blue Origin. As the space industry expands, so does the demand for housing, retail, and services to accommodate the influx of professionals.
Tourism: With attractions like the Kennedy Space Center and its proximity to Florida’s major tourism hotspots, Brevard County has seen an increase in tourism, driving demand for hospitality and retail services.
Lifestyle: Offering a mix of outdoor recreation, a vibrant arts scene, and diverse dining options, Brevard County provides an appealing lifestyle for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Location: Located near major Central Florida destinations like Orlando and the Space Coast, the county offers convenient access to theme parks, beaches, and cultural attractions.
Economy: The local economy is booming, with sectors like communications, aerospace, electronics, advanced security, and emerging technologies leading the charge.
Wage Growth: Ranked third nationally for wage growth, Brevard County offers competitive salaries, attracting both skilled professionals and new graduates to the area.
Job Growth: With job growth ranked eighth nationally, the region continues to see a steady rise in employment opportunities across multiple industries.
Palm Bay is in the midst of a development boom, driven by its proximity to the St. Johns Heritage Parkway and the wider expansion of infrastructure in Brevard County. With easy access to Interstate 95, the area is becoming a prime target for developers aiming to build mixed-use communities that blend suburban comfort with urban amenities.
But this growth isn’t happening in a vacuum. The brand-new St. Johns Heritage Parkway interchange has opened up previously hard-to-reach areas for development, making large-scale projects like SunTerra Lakes viable. In short, Palm Bay is becoming a hotspot for those looking to escape congested urban centers without sacrificing modern conveniences.
SunTerra Lakes: A Community Designed for Modern Living
SunTerra Lakes isn’t just about homes—it’s about creating a lifestyle. Here’s a peek at what the developers are envisioning:
Recreational Spaces: Expect parks, walking trails, and green spaces, giving residents a place to unwind and enjoy nature.
Retail and Dining: The 398,000 square feet of commercial space will house stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, making SunTerra Lakes a convenient place to live, work, and play.
The 125-Acre Lake: This water feature isn’t just for aesthetics; it’ll likely play a role in community activities, potentially offering water sports or scenic relaxation spots.
Sustainability: Although details are still emerging, developers have hinted at plans for eco-friendly design elements, such as energy-efficient homes and community recycling programs.
Local Concerns and Pushback
For all its promise, SunTerra Lakes has raised concerns among local residents, particularly those in the neighboring Deer Run community. Many are worried about the following issues:
Strain on Infrastructure: Can the current roads, schools, and public services handle such a large influx of new residents?
Environmental Impact: With the area’s natural beauty at stake, some fear that development on this scale could disrupt local ecosystems, including wetlands and wildlife habitats.
Loss of Rural Character: Palm Bay has long been known for its rural charm. Projects like SunTerra Lakes threaten to erase that, replacing open fields and forests with homes and businesses.
These concerns will take center stage at the upcoming Brevard County Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board meeting on September 5th, where the board will hear from both the developers and local stakeholders. The outcome of this meeting could either greenlight or delay the project, as the board’s recommendations will play a crucial role in the County Commission’s final decision on the land use change.
Why This Brevard County P&Z Meeting Matters
The September 5th P&Z Board meeting is a make-or-break moment for SunTerra Lakes. Here's why:
Community Input: Residents from the Deer Run community and others will have a chance to voice their concerns, potentially influencing the board’s recommendation.
Decision-Making: The P&Z Board’s recommendation will inform the Brevard County Commission’s final vote on whether to approve or deny the land use changes required for SunTerra Lakes to move forward.
Long-Term Impacts: What happens at this meeting will shape the future of Palm Bay’s development landscape. Whether SunTerra Lakes moves ahead or not, the decision will set a precedent for how the county balances growth with the preservation of its rural character.
What’s Next for SunTerra Lakes?
If the project gets the green light from the County Commission, we could see construction begin by Q2 2025. This would likely spark a wave of interest from homebuyers, investors, and commercial tenants alike. For locals, the coming months will be critical in shaping the future of Palm Bay, as new developments like SunTerra Lakes redefine the region’s character and appeal.
Get Involved with the SunTerra Lakes Project
The time to act is now if you're interested in learning more about Brevard County's Commercial Development opportunities with SunTerra Lakes or other projects. With Brevard County's population and economy both rising, this project offers businesses a great chance to get established in one of Florida's fastest-growing areas.
Whether you're looking to start a retail store, an office building, or another kind of business, Reach Commercial can assist you in finding suitable commercial spaces in SunTerra Lakes. Don't pass up the chance to participate in this fascinating new development!
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