The Florida Cabinet has approved a lease and dredging permit for a 174-slip commercial marina on Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho), marking a significant milestone for the Fontana Lakes master-planned community. This new development reflects growing activity along Lake Toho’s east shore, fueled by expanding residential and commercial projects.

This is a problem in Orlando is hitting a wall. At the very same time, in a matter of few weeks, there are headlines now saying that we have been on a four to six week run where housing affordability is ceasing to become a problem. It is now abating and that we’re seeing a resurgence of buyers to the market.

Fontana Lakes Development: A Transformative Vision

The marina, located on Friar’s Cove, will feature 147 wet slips accommodating boats up to 45 feet long. It will also include a 54-foot-long boat ramp and public access, with 90% of the slips available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis. Developer Jeff Fuqua secured the lease, easement, and dredging rights with a payment of $245,927 to the state.

Fontana Lakes, spanning 677 acres south of Crossprairie, is designed to include:

• Nearly 3,000 homes.
• 170,000 square feet of commercial and office space.
• A school.
• A 248-unit condominium community anchored by the marina.

Fuqua, who acquired the property in 2014 and updated the concept plan in 2018, has invested several years obtaining necessary permits. These include approvals from the South Florida Water Management District for marina construction and land grading.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure Dependencies

The marina aligns with Osceola County’s East Lake Toho and South Lake Toho mixed-use districts, requiring developers to contribute to future road improvements. The completion of the Cross Prairie Parkway and firm utility agreements are key factors influencing the development timeline.

Adjacent developments include the Crossprairie community, which will host a new subdivision by David Weekley Homes and a Four Seasons-branded 55+ community by K. Hovnanian Homes. Construction for these projects, along with extensions to Cross Prairie Parkway, is underway.

Lake Toho’s Expanding Boating and Recreational Access

Lake Toho, covering 22,700 acres with a 42-mile circumference, is Osceola County’s largest lake and a renowned destination for bass fishing. The marina at Fontana Lakes is part of a broader effort to enhance boating access, joining other planned projects like:

BTI Partners’ Edgewater West: Approved for eight new subdivisions, including a man-made lake with a boat lift on Goblets Cove.
Wheelock Communities and Gentry Land’s Waterlin Project: A massive 6,000-acre development in the South Lake Toho district, featuring plans for a future public marina.

While Fontana Lakes is poised to deliver immediate access to Lake Toho’s recreational offerings, other projects remain years from activating lakefront amenities.

Economic and Lifestyle Impact

The new marina is expected to bolster the local economy by attracting boating enthusiasts and supporting the region’s residential and commercial growth. As Osceola County continues to expand, developments like Fontana Lakes play a pivotal role in shaping the community’s future while capitalizing on Lake Toho’s natural appeal.

Final Thoughts

The new marina, along with Fontana Lakes’ ambitious plans, exemplifies the growing appeal of Lake Toho as a hub for lifestyle and economic growth. By expanding public access and supporting mixed-use developments, this project underscores the potential of Osceola County’s waterfront communities.

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