When we moved to the Hills of Minneola, we were promised something different — a walkable, community-first town center designed for people, not parking lots. Now, that promise is at risk.

SunTerra Communities is seeking approval to build a Walmart and Sam’s Club within the proposed Minneola Marketplace, turning a 74-acre site meant to be a vibrant, mixed-use community space into yet another sprawling big-box retail zone. This isn’t what residents were told to expect. And it’s not what this community needs.

Many of us made major life decisions — including buying homes and raising families here — based on the original vision: a locally rooted, pedestrian-friendly district where neighbors could connect and small businesses could thrive. Replacing that vision with 340,000 square feet of chain retail and 1,200 parking spaces threatens not just our quality of life, but our trust in how local development is managed.

We were told this town center would be different. Now it looks like everywhere else.

The increased traffic, potential for crime, and loss of neighborhood character are not theoretical — they are real concerns, voiced by dozens of residents. Meanwhile, the promise of “green space” and “event areas” rings hollow when dominated by superstores that siphon economic activity away from local businesses.

We are calling on the Minneola Planning & Zoning Commission and Minneola City Council to deny the Planned Development amendment that would allow Walmart and Sam’s Club to anchor Minneola Marketplace.

We urge our local officials: stay true to the original vision of a walkable, community-oriented town center. Let’s build a place that serves Minneola — not just corporate profits.