Leesburg Merritt Ranch: What the 523-Home Approval Means

What Happened: Leesburg commissioners approved land-use and zoning changes for Merritt Ranch on September 14, according to meeting coverage reviewed by LCN. The roughly 445-acre site lies south of CR 48, west of North Austin Merritt Road and east of the Sumter County line. Its planned unit development allows 523 single-family homes. Who It Affects: Neighbors near the site and drivers on CR 48 and North Austin Merritt Road have an interest in future traffic and drainage plans. Approval advances the development framework; it does not establish a groundbreaking date or mean homes are ready for sale. What’s Next: LCN will track executed ordinances and later development submissions for final conditions, road and stormwater requirements, and construction timing. LCN report: https://www.lakecountynow.com/news/leesburg-merritt-ranch-523-home-plan-september-2026