GLADES COUNTY -- The Lakefront Estates project is moving forward. At the Aug. 8 meeting of the Glades County Commission, County Attorney Richard Pringle explained a three-way agreement will ensure the developer makes all the infrastructure improvements the county requires -- such as roads, water lines, sewer lines and lighting.

“This is the next step in the development process for the Lakefront Estates project,” he explained.

The three-way agreement is between the developer, the county and the bank holding the construction funds for the project. The agreement requires the bank to hold funds equal to 120% of the estimated cost of the infrastructure improvements for each phase of the project. These funds will be released to the developer only after the county signs off that the required infrastructure work has been completed.

According to the developer, there is a lot of interest, and they want to move forward quickly, Pringle said. They are eager for the project to move forward so they can start building model homes.

Lakeside Estates and Villas, to be built on State Road 78, west of Buckhead Ridge, will include up to 1,300 homes as well as schools, restaurants, stores, and public buildings. The developers are observant Jews. They purchased the property from Glenn Harvey who previously planned a 470-home development in the same area off SR 78 near Buckhead Ridge. Developers have stated they will start construction when they have commitments from 150 families.