If you live anywhere near the Hancock Road corridor in Clermont or Minneola, you know the drill: the orange cones go up, the dirt starts moving, and we all cross our fingers hoping for a great new local restaurant, a fun family activity, or a cool place to hang out on a Friday night.

But lately, it feels like every time the dust settles, we’re staring at yet another medical office or dental clinic. Don't get me wrong, healthcare is important, but as local homeowners, we have plenty of places to get our teeth cleaned. What we really need are more food options and things to do in our own backyard.

Recently, we got some news about what is actually coming to Hancock Road. As originally reported by Growth Spotter, there are massive developments breaking ground right now. Here is a breakdown of what we are getting—the good, the "meh," and the highly anticipated.

The Intersection: Highland Ranch Blvd & Hancock Road

Orlando-based Pineloch Management recently broke ground on the next phase of the Black West retail development (right by the new Circle K).

The "Meh" News: The building they just started constructing? It’s a medical office building. Orlando Health and Pacific Dental have already claimed their spots.

The Glimmer of Hope: The developers have one 1.29-acre dirt pad left on the site, and it is currently up for grabs. Colliers, the brokerage firm handling the site, has drawn up a concept plan that includes a roughly 7,600-square-foot retail building alongside a 2,100-square-foot Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) with a drive-thru.

The developer noted they would "love to see a restaurant" go in there to serve our growing neighborhoods. However, they also mentioned that given the medical offices already on site, more healthcare or wellness uses would be a "great fit."

Let's hope the market speaks loud and clear: we want the restaurant! We should know more soon, as the building shell is expected to be finished in early 2026, with businesses opening in early 2027.

The Minneola Expansion: Hancock Road & the Turnpike

If you drive just two miles north into Minneola, the news gets a lot better for those of us craving actual entertainment and dining options.

Big Box Retail is Coming: A site plan was filed for the 74-acre Minneola Marketplace. While the developers haven't officially named the stores yet, the building footprints are practically identical to a proposed Walmart Supercenter and Sam’s Club side-by-side layout. This development will also include luxury apartments, a gas station, and four out-parcels (fingers crossed for good restaurants there, too).

The Major Win—Crooked Can Brewing: Finally, the news we’ve been waiting for! Winter Garden favorite Crooked Can Brewing Company recently broke ground on a massive 42,000-square-foot facility inside the planned Hills City Center in Minneola.

This isn't just a brewery; it is going to feature a taproom and a food hall with around 12 different tenants. When it opens in 2026, it is poised to be exactly the kind of neighborhood gathering space and foodie destination our area desperately needs.

What do you think? Are you excited about Crooked Can coming to Minneola? And what do you want to see take over that final 1.29-acre spot in Clermont?