SunTerra Lakes and Ashton Park Near Groundbreaking in South Palm Bay
Two major developments are poised to reshape South Palm Bay as SunTerra Lakes and Ashton Park prepare for construction in 2025.
Palm Bay, FL - South Palm Bay is on the cusp of a significant transformation with two large-scale developments, SunTerra Lakes and Ashton Park, set to begin construction in 2025. These projects promise to bring new housing, commercial opportunities, and recreational spaces, but also raise important questions about the area's future. This report examines the plans, potential impacts, and community considerations surrounding these developments.
Original Emerald Lakes Vision
Initially proposed in 2018, Emerald Lakes was envisioned as a vibrant "live, work, and play" community spanning roughly 1,560 acres near the I-95 and St. Johns Heritage Parkway interchange. Ambitious plans outlined a significant growth opportunity for Palm Bay, including:
🏘️ 3,760 residential units
🏬 2.8 million square feet of commercial space
🏨 700 hotel rooms
🌳 Multiple recreational areas, parks, and trails
Despite the excitement and economic potential, the Emerald Lakes project faced significant hurdles from the outset. Environmental assessments revealed concerns, notably the proposed filling of over 100 acres of wetlands. This raised alarms about the impacts on local wildlife, particularly threatened species like the Florida scrub jay, Eastern indigo snake, red-cockaded woodpecker, and wood stork. Community groups actively opposed these elements, citing long-term ecological damage.
Rebranded as SunTerra Lakes
📅 Updated Timeline: As of March 2025, groundbreaking is anticipated for the second quarter of 2025, with infrastructure work expected to commence shortly thereafter.
By 2024, after years of stalled progress and community feedback, the Emerald Lakes development underwent a substantial transformation. SunTerra Communities acquired the property and rebranded it as SunTerra Lakes, shifting to a more community-focused and environmentally conscious model. This newly revised plan marks a significant step forward in Palm Bay's growth trajectory.
The reimagined SunTerra Lakes will feature:
🏘️ 3,246 single-family homes, tailored for diverse family needs
🛍️ 398,000 square feet of commercial space for retail, dining, and essential services
🌊 A picturesque 125-acre lake, positioned as a central recreational and aesthetic feature
🌳 Expanded community parks, interconnected trails, and ample green spaces
🏞️ Additional amenities focused on fostering community interaction and outdoor recreation
SunTerra Communities acquired approximately 1,900 acres for $28.75 million in 2024. The site, originally purchased in the 1990s for Emerald Lakes, represents a long-awaited development effort for this section of Palm Bay. The land's proximity to both Micco Road and the St. Johns Heritage Parkway interchange makes it a critical piece in the city’s southern expansion.
Introducing Ashton Park: Another Major Development
📅 Updated Timeline: As of March 2025, construction is slated to begin in the third quarter of 2025, following the completion of final approvals earlier this year.
Just north of SunTerra Lakes, the Ashton Park project by DIX Developments represents another transformative venture in South Palm Bay. Covering over 1,400 acres, Ashton Park has finalized its planning and approval stages and is preparing to break ground later this year.
Key components of Ashton Park include:
🏘️ 3,793 single-family homes
🏢 945 townhomes and over 746 apartment units
🏬 5.4 million square feet of commercial, retail, and flex space
🏙️ A 39-acre Town Center with dining, shopping, and entertainment
🏫 Plans for a new K-8 public charter school, pending final approvals
🌊 Proximity to water recreation via the Intracoastal Waterway and Indian River Lagoon
Ashton Park’s location also benefits from immediate access to the St. Johns Heritage Parkway and I-95 interchange. The project’s inclusion of a significant Town Center and educational infrastructure suggests it will function as a self-contained community, supporting residential, educational, and commercial needs on-site.
Strategic Location and Economic Context
Both SunTerra Lakes and Ashton Park are strategically situated near the I-95 and St. Johns Heritage Parkway interchange, offering convenient access for residents and businesses. This area is quickly becoming a focal point for Palm Bay’s expansion, benefiting from connectivity to regional corridors and proximity to Florida’s east coast beaches.
Brevard County’s broader economic context further supports these developments. Growth in the aerospace and defense sectors—led by employers like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies, SpaceX, and Blue Origin—has driven demand for housing, services, and commercial space. Additionally, the area’s appeal is amplified by tourism related to the Kennedy Space Center and abundant recreational opportunities. Brevard County also maintains 117 parks, 78 beach access sites, and over 16,500 acres of conservation lands, underscoring the area’s emphasis on outdoor living.
Community Concerns and Infrastructure Challenges
While these projects promise economic and lifestyle benefits, they also raise concerns among nearby residents. Issues such as infrastructure strain, environmental impact, and the preservation of rural character have been frequently voiced, particularly by residents of the Deer Run community.
In response, Brevard County officials have highlighted the role of impact fees from these developments in funding necessary infrastructure upgrades. Projects like the widening of Malabar Road aim to address anticipated traffic increases and ensure sustainable growth. Both SunTerra and Ashton Park developers are expected to contribute to these costs through established development agreements.
Broader Outlook for South Palm Bay
SunTerra Lakes and Ashton Park signal a period of intense development in South Palm Bay. These projects collectively aim to meet the region’s growing demand for housing, commerce, and recreation.
However, managing this growth requires careful planning, community involvement, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. The balance between expanding economic opportunities and maintaining quality of life will be central to Palm Bay’s future.
Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.
More road congestion and overcrowding of Palm Bay!! What a joke!! How about fixing the existing Palm Bay for its current residents. All about GREED!!! Sad