Popular Tavares farm may transition into new development

ABOVE: Entrance to Far Reach Ranch (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

A favorite Tavares destination may become a residential and commercial development. The landowners of Far Reach Ranch, a fun agri-tourism venue and working u-pick blueberry farm, is considering a plan to develop the property.

The sprawling farm is over 600 acres and includes 100 acres of farmland, 300 acres of timber, plus over 200 acres of wetland, including a scenic lake.  

The farm is family-owned and operated since its first blueberry plantings in 1994. Previously, it was established as a cattle ranch and citrus groves in the 1940s.

Far Reach Ranch landowners’ representatives have reached out to their neighbors to invite them to a community meeting to inform them that a plan to develop the property is in the works. The City of Tavares has not received any formal submission for this project, but when it does, the proposal will proceed through the standard governmental review process.  A mixed-use residential and commercial development typically spans a two-year period.

The landowners’ community meeting will be held Thursday, June 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tavares Civic Center at 100 East Caroline Street.  It’s important to note that this is not a City of Tavares meeting.

Far Reach Ranch joins nearby Long & Scott Farm in unincorporated Lake County to be in discussions to develop their property.

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