Talichet Homeowners Association
Talichet Homeowners Association
It has been eighteen months since the 2024 election, and during that time your Mayor and Town Council has taken important steps to guide Howey-in-the-Hills through a historic period of change. This update is intended to provide residents with a clear overview of recent progress and the priorities ahead.
The Town has excellent staff who are totally committed to provide first-class services from their respective departments that residents should expect to receive.
Growth remains a central issue, not only in Howey-in-the-Hills, but across the region. While we all value the small-town character of our community, growth is occurring and must be managed thoughtfully and responsibly. Many of the Town’s future residential developments were approved between 2005 and 2011. As a result, these projects retained their development rights even during periods when construction activity slowed. As market conditions have changed, we see that these projects are now moving forward.
The current Council’s focus is on actively managing how this growth takes shape, ensuring that new development aligns with today’s standards and contributes positively to the community. The 113 townhomes in Venezia have been completed, and additional subdivisions are progressing through various stages of development. Four of the five new subdivisions are approved Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) while the fifth is straight zoning.
In total, these developments represent more than 2,500 new homes, bringing many challenges related to traffic, water supply, and wastewater capacity. The Town is proactively planning for these impacts to ensure that infrastructure and services keep pace with growth.
In addition to residential development, new commercial investment is underway to support both current residents and the estimated 6,000 future residents expected to move into the Town over the next five to ten years. Approved projects include a new Publix grocery store and additional outparcels on the north side of Town, along with further commercial on the south side which will include a gas station, self-storage, and other retail and restaurant businesses.
Over time, with the efforts of prior and current Councilors, the Town has strengthened its Land Development Code and continues to apply those standards to ensure that new projects contribute positively to the community. The Council’s focus is on working with developers to secure infrastructure, amenities, and long-term value that benefit residents. This includes holding developers accountable to current requirements while aligning growth with the Town’s long-term vision. This is the responsibility of the elected officials and staff and is what we are all working to achieve.
As Howey continues to grow, the Town is making targeted investments to ensure reliable infrastructure and long-term service capacity. A key component of this effort is the construction of a new Water Treatment Plant (WTP #3). This project addresses both future demand and system reliability. The existing facility located at SR19 and CR48 is situated on Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) property and will be impacted by planned roadway improvements, including a future roundabout. The new plant will ensure continuity of service while also expanding capacity
The cost of completing the project, including a new connecting main, is approximately $12,000,000 and is due to be completed by the end of this year. The Town has secured federal and state grants for $5.75 million towards the project, with more appropriations applied for this year. In addition, through an agreement with the Lake Hills development, a further $1.8 million will be paid in advanced impact fees.
The remaining amount will be funded through the collection of impact fees on other new homes as they are built. Further grants have been secured for stormwater projects, wastewater treatment capacity, and the completion of the Sarah Maude Preserve Boardwalk.
The Town has also just completed the reconstruction of Citrus Avenue and the re-paving of Gardenia Street, paid for from the discretionary surtax revenue received from the state. This revenue source also funded the complete replacement of the #8 finger (fishing) pier on Lakeshore Blvd and will fund the rebuilding of the public boat ramp, and the replacement of one other finger pier. Both new projects are scheduled to begin in the next couple of months.
Looking ahead, FDOT is scheduled to begin the repaving of Palm Avenue (SR19) in 2027, from Mission Inn to Venezia Blvd. This will include a wider intersection at Central Avenue with new turn lanes to improve traffic flow and additional signaling across SR19 to improve pedestrian safety. A public meeting was recently held by FDOT to explain all the beneficial safety changes. The need for the changes has been highlighted by members of the Council along with the Best Foot Forward safety organization.
In early 2025, the Town underwent a comprehensive review of its financial structure and reporting practices to ensure clear visibility into available reserves and project funding. The Council appreciates that all revenues that the Town receives either directly from Ad Valorem (Property) taxes (which make up approximately fifty percent of the total General Fund budget), or indirectly from sales and use taxes, gas tax, state revenue sharing, franchise fees and other sources, come from you, the residents of the Town.
Balancing the budget requires good judgement on the part of the Town Manager and Council to ensure that all obligations are funded without undue hardship being put on the residents. For fiscal year 2025-26, the Council reduced the millage rate beyond the rolled-back rate, resulting in no increase to property taxes. There was also no increase in water rates, wastewater charges, and solid waste collection fees.
In May last year, the Town celebrated its 100-year anniversary with a huge and successful celebration and a Christmas event and parade in December. Our excellent staff planned and executed both superb, well-attended, and enjoyable family-orientated events. These events were fully funded through sponsorships (over $30,000), reflecting strong community support while allowing Town resources to remain focused on core services.
The combination of growth in residential and new commercial development is essential to take a greater burden from existing residential homeowners, whether homestead or investment properties. The agreement negotiated with the Lake Hills Development also placed the responsibility on them for the future repaving of their roads (five miles) and repairs to sidewalks (ten miles). They are also building a four-acre park with amenities which will be open to the public. Working with the developers has produced outcomes that will greatly benefit the Town in the future.
Your Council members have been continuously active in improving the Town on your behalf in collaboration with the Florida League of Cities, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Heartland (formerly Lake) League of Cities. Some have attended the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials training provided by the Florida League of Cities with additional leadership courses scheduled in May. This Council takes their elected duties and fiscal responsibilities very seriously, and while not always agreeing with each other, they are united with the intent that their decisions are made in the best interests of the whole Town.
Respectfully submitted by the Mayor and Town Manager.
Talichet, a community nestled in the heart of Howey-in-the-Hills. This charming enclave offers a serene and peaceful environment, perfect for those seeking a quiet lifestyle. Despite its tranquil setting, Talichet is just minutes from Florida’s renowned golf courses, historic landmarks, state parks, picturesque lakes, major attractions like Disney and much more.
Immerse yourself in a day of golfing at the esteemed Mission Inn Resort & Club, indulge in boating adventures on Lake Harris, explore the grandeur of The Howey Mansion, or take a stroll through the scenic vineyards of Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards. With an array of attractions nearby, this diverse resort city caters to every interest, promising a life full of exciting possibilities.
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