Sanford prepares for population growth with new developments and traffic plans

The District 2 Westside Community Meeting held on March 27, 2025, focused on several key developments and ongoing projects in Sanford, Florida. The meeting began with an update on traffic mitigation efforts, emphasizing the importance of preparation for upcoming changes.

City officials reported that Sanford's population is rapidly approaching 65,000 residents, with the city covering approximately 27 square miles. Notably, the local mall has been sold, and redevelopment activities are set to begin, including the opening of three new restaurants, with Ford Garage already underway on Reinhardt Street.

The residential development sector is also experiencing growth, with 1,600 new living units expected to be completed soon, primarily in the form of apartments. The influx of new residents continues, with an estimated 1,200 people moving to Central Florida each month.

Additionally, a new theme park, Epic Park, is scheduled to open to the public in May, following a soft opening. Employment centers are filling up again, and local parks are reopening after previous closures.

The meeting also addressed ongoing road projects, particularly heavy paving on State Road 46, with completion expected by spring 2026. An updated development map is now available online for residents to track ongoing projects.

Significant construction updates included the Mayfair Country Club, which is currently under construction, and a new fire station that is being built. This fire station will feature a 1,200 square foot facility with four bays, aimed at improving emergency services in the area. Additional developments, such as Queens Crossing behind the new Publix, are also set to begin construction soon.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the city's growth and development initiatives, with a focus on enhancing infrastructure and community services to accommodate the increasing population.