Sunbridge is a master-planned community located in Central Florida, developed by Tavistock Development Company.[1] The community, which opened in 2020, encompasses more than 27,000 acres[2] across both Orange County, Florida and Osceola County, Florida in Central Florida between metro Orlando and the Space Coast. Inspired by Lake Nona, Orlando, Florida, Sunbridge mixes residential, recreational, businesses and civic elements to foster connections to nature.
Sunbridge, Florida | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Coordinates: 28°19′48″N 81°11′22″W / 28.33000°N 81.18944°W | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Florida |
| County |  Orange |
| Area | |
• Total | 37.5 sq mi (97 km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Website | https://sunbridgefl.com/ |
Sunbridge is located approximately 20 minutes south of Orlando International Airport and 6 miles (10 km) from Tavistock’s Lake Nona community. It is bordered by the Alligator Chain of Lakes to the east and Lake Tohopekaliga to the west. The community is located near major highways, including Florida's Turnpike and Florida State Road 417.[3]
History
editSunbridge is a development of the Tavistock Development Company and Suburban Land Reserve (SLR), a land development affiliate of Deseret Ranch.[4]
Tavistock and SLR have collaborated based on their mutual approach to planning and commitment to Central Florida. SLR sought a partner to develop a portion of the former Deseret Ranch land, and Tavistock was selected. With the development of Sunbridge, Tavistock aims to continue the sustainable stewardship demonstrated by SLR and Deseret Ranch, building upon the experiences from the development of Lake Nona.[5]
Sustainability and "Naturehood"
editSunbridge is designed with a focus on sustainability[2] and preserving large stretches of Florida nature to give people access to oak forests, lakes, wetlands, and waterways while protecting the natural environment and preserving water quality[6]
In the planning stages of Sunbridge, Tavistock partnered with representatives from the University of Florida, University of Central Florida, OUTSIDE Sustainable Landscape Collaborative, Cherrylake, Life Soils, Toho Water Authority, and other groups[7] to execute the Sunbridge Stewardship Plan.[8] The plan focuses on advancing strategies for water quality preservation, water resource conservation, renewable energy and efficiency, ecological preservation and community engagement. For example, the new community uses more drought tolerant and heat resilient native landscaping and is working to save and relocate some of the mature live oak trees on the property.[9] Additionally, all of the new homes are pre-wired for solar panels, a power wall and electric vehicle plug-ins.[10]
At the community's information center, called Basecamp,[11] a demonstration garden was installed which acts as a living laboratory where research is conducted to identify the plant species that will thrive under different irrigation and soil conditions.[8] The plots also provide an opportunity to sample arthropods and pollinators and compare what are more conventional plantings.
Neighborhoods
editSunbridge includes a variety of residential options, including single-family homes, townhomes and villas by builders including Del Webb, Ashton Woods, Craft Homes, David Weekley Homes, Pulte Homes, and Toll Brothers.[11] The homes incorporate sustainable living principles through energy efficiency, sustainable materials, improved design and construction.[12]
Sunbridge is pedestrian-friendly, with a network of sidewalks and trails connecting homes to parks, schools, and natural areas. Neighborhoods include:
References
edit- ^ "Lake Nona developers plan 24,000-acre project". March 21, 2016. Archived from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
- ^ a b "Sunbridge Community Arrives to Orange and Osceola Counties Nonahood News". August 10, 2021. Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
- ^ "Sunbridge Community Orlando Florida". Archived from the original on 2023-05-16. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
- ^ "Tavistock, Deseret Ranch sign $93M right-of-way agreement for Osceola Parkway Extension". October 29, 2019. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
- ^ "Deseret Ranches Of Florida | Northeast - District". www.deseretranches.com. Archived from the original on 2023-05-11. Retrieved 2023-05-11.
- ^ "Osceola approves Sunbridge rezoning that clears way for 6,000-home gated retirement community". December 20, 2021. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2023-05-16. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ a b UF/IFAS, From (2 May 2023). "Reimagining new home construction with drought-free landscaping". The Apopka Voice. Archived from the original on 11 May 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
- ^ "Reimagining new home construction landscapes, backed by science". 2 May 2023. Archived from the original on 16 May 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ "New Osceola community requires solar systems on rooftops". April 16, 2023. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
- ^ a b "New Basecamp Information Center Opens in Sunbridge Nonahood News". March 14, 2022. Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
- ^ Trezza, Matt (April 14, 2023). "Osceola County's 'Sunbridge' development requiring homes equipped with solar panels". FOX 35 Orlando. Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
- ^ "New Orlando Area 55+ Communities". 15 December 2022. Archived from the original on 16 May 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ "In sunny Florida, homebuilders are finally starting to embrace rooftop solar". April 12, 2023. Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.