Mixed-use village in West Bradenton lands Publix as an anchor
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Sep 27, 2024

A mixed-use development in the works in West Bradenton has landed Publix Super Markets Inc. as an anchor for its retail village.

SeaFlower spans 1,175 acres, bordered by Cortez Road West on the north, IMG Academy on the east, 86th Street to the west and El Conquistador Parkway to the south. At full buildout, it will include 4,000 residential units, 600 apartments, 250 hotel rooms and 350,000 square feet of commercial space. Its retail development, known as SeaFlower Village Center, will be anchored by a 50,000-square-foot Publix store. The deal includes a separate, adjacent Publix Liquors store.

Several homebuilders have already committed to the project. The developer said model homes are expected to open in spring 2025, and the first residents will move in in the summer. Cardel Homes, David Weekley Homes, Issa Homes, M/I Homes and Pulte Homes are among the builders who have signed on to SeaFlower. Homes will be inspired by four architectural styles: Coastal, Craftsman, West Indies and Transitional Farmhouse.

SeaFlower Village Center is part of the first phase of the development, which spans 400 acres west of 75th Street West and south of Cortez Road.

Lake Flores Land Co. is the master developer of SeaFlower in conjunction with its investment partner, LAMB Properties. CASTO and Redstone Investments will develop and market SeaFlower Village Center for lease. Retail, restaurants and entertainment venues are planned for the remaining retail space, the developers said.

“Introducing a Publix to the SeaFlower community exemplifies the thoughtfully designed, connected neighborhood we’ve been envisioning in collaboration with Manatee County for over a decade,” Edward Hill of Lake Flores Land Co. said in a statement. “SeaFlower residents will enjoy convenient access to shopping and public spaces, all within their own community, as additional stores and amenities come to life in the SeaFlower Village Center.”