A New Town Is Rising in Eastern Collier — And It Has Everything

BIG CYPRESS, Fla. — A new town taking shape in eastern Collier County is poised to redefine what modern, responsible growth can look like in Southwest Florida.

The Town of Big Cypress, envisioned as the central hub for the Rivergrass, Longwater and Bellmar villages, blends walkable design, economic opportunity and large-scale environmental preservation into a single, master-planned community. Developers say the goal is not just to build homes, but to create a place where residents can live, work and play without leaving eastern Collier County.

At the heart of the plan is an activated town core designed for everyday life — storefronts within walking distance, on-street parking, local services, restaurants and gathering spaces. A 43-acre public Community Park will anchor the area, offering room for recreation, events and outdoor activities under night skies largely untouched by urban light pollution.

The town is expected to support large-scale employment centers, commercial and retail development capable of attracting businesses across multiple industries. Estimates project approximately 6,000 jobs, a shift that could significantly reduce daily commuting patterns for residents who currently travel west for work.

Housing diversity is a central feature of the plan. In cooperation with Collier County, acreage has been dedicated for 880 affordable housing units — a commitment developers describe as unprecedented for the region — alongside a range of other residential options.

Environmental preservation remains one of the project’s defining elements. More than 12,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land will be permanently preserved and maintained in perpetuity at no cost to county taxpayers. The preserved land will protect wildlife corridors, restored waterways and natural habitats, ensuring long-term ecological balance alongside development.

The project is part of Collier County’s nationally recognized Rural Land Stewardship Area (RLSA) program, which promotes growth while encouraging environmental restoration and the continuation of agricultural operations. Collier Enterprises, the project’s developer, has committed to preserving agricultural production by relocating operations while maintaining output, protecting the region’s long-standing farming heritage.

Big Cypress is also contributing to conservation beyond its borders. The development will generate millions of dollars for the Florida Panther Protection Fund, supporting habitat restoration, wildlife crossings and fencing. Collier Enterprises is partnering with major conservation organizations, including Audubon of Florida and Defenders of Wildlife, to preserve critical panther territory that benefits dozens of other species.

Infrastructure improvements are another anticipated benefit. The town and its villages are expected to generate more than $67 million for road improvements throughout Collier County. Developers say the concentration of services, schools, parks and employment will further reduce the need for long-distance travel.

Water conservation measures are also built into the plan. Converting agricultural land to residential use is projected to reduce water consumption by more than 50 percent, with additional reductions possible through reclaimed water systems for irrigation.

County approvals for Rivergrass Village, Bellmar Village and the Town of Big Cypress — including Longwater Village — are already in place. Utility and infrastructure construction for the first phase is expected to begin once a federal permit is received. Homes are projected to reach the market in the third quarter of 2026.

When fully built, the Town of Big Cypress and its surrounding villages will include approximately 1.575 million square feet of commercial space, ranging from offices and retail to restaurants, entertainment venues and light manufacturing.

Developers say the community will not require a new Interstate 75 interchange, citing sufficient capacity at existing access points along State Road 29 and Immokalee Road.

For Collier County, the Town of Big Cypress represents a long-term vision — one that balances growth, environmental stewardship and economic sustainability while creating a new destination in the county’s eastern corridor.

More information is available at CollierEnterprises.com.

Photo Credits: The Town of Big Cypress