Mohrs Crossing and the Future of Saint Leo Florida
Saint Leo Florida is about to see one of the biggest changes in its history. This tiny town of only about 45 households sits quietly in Pasco County, known for its abbey, its university, and rolling hills. Yet across the street from Saint Leo University at the Saint Leo Abbey golf course, a major development called Mohrs Crossing is proposed. What this will do to Saint Leo and the surrounding San Antonio Florida area is huge. I’m a real estate broker, a resident, and I want you to know everything I’ve learned so far.
What is Mohrs Crossing
Mohrs Crossing is planned by Ryan Homes. It is to be built directly across the street from Saint Leo University and Saint Leo Abbey, on the grounds of the former Abbey golf course. The name “Mohrs” honors the Abbey’s first abbot, Charles Mohr.
Here are the basics:
- Between 600 and 650 home sites (townhomes plus single‐family homes)
- Lot sizes will vary:
• Interior lots of about 40 feet wide, depth at least ~110 feet, with homes from ~1,500 to ~2,500 square feet of living space
• Premium lots 60 feet wide, with homes from ~2,000 to ~3,200 square feet, with optional three-car garage - Amenities in the plan include a pool with a cabana, pickleball courts, walking trails, possibly a premium dog park. They will likely not build a fitness center inside Mohrs Crossing because right across the street at Saint Leo University is a state of the art wellness center.
- Another big perk: The Orange Belt Trail is expected to run right in front of the community. That trail is about 37 miles in Pasco County, for walkers, cyclists, maybe horseback riding in parts. You would be able to walk out your front door and onto that trail.
- The historic grotto on the west side of the property will remain in Abbey hands and preserved.
At this point the project is early. Ownership transfer has not fully occurred. Site plans have recently been submitted to the town of Saint Leo. Changes will almost certainly happen. No sales until maybe the second quarter of 2027 at the earliest.
Saint Leo and San Antonio Florida: What Life Is Like
Saint Leo is small. Very small. But San Antonio is directly adjacent, with more businesses, more restaurants, more places for daily life. If you live in Mohrs Crossing, you will likely spend part of your time in Saint Leo (for university, the abbey, and the peace) and part of your time in San Antonio for the “stuff” of living.
Here are local highlights:
- Saint Leo Abbey Grotto: A historic sanctuary of spiritual, historical, natural value. Walking paths near the grotto are peaceful, birding opportunities exist. (badattitudebirding.com)
- Trails & Nature: There are many places to walk and bike near Saint Leo.
- Rolling Hills: The terrain around Saint Leo and San Antonio has gentle rolling hills. Not mountain terrain, but more than flat pancake Florida. Elevation changes give views, nicer residential lots, more interesting views for homes.
Things to Do, Eat, and Enjoy Nearby
If you live in Mohrs Crossing or Saint Leo, here are places you’ll want to visit in and around San Antonio, FL, to feel at home and enjoy what the region offers:
- Pancho’s Villa Mexican Restaurant (32804 Pennsylvania Ave, San Antonio Florida) is a local favorite. Authentic Tex-Mex, tacos, enchiladas, and more. Casual, family owned. Great for dinner or takeout. (
- The Jiffy Store (grab a Cuban here) is a classic small town spot. Quick, familiar, comforting.
- Al’s for a slice of pizza: nothing fancy needed—everybody likes good pizza close to home.
- Local coffee & bakeries in San Antonio: some small, cozy places to meet friends, work remotely, or grab a morning latte. These kinds of places build community.
- Saint Leo Wellness Center: built by Saint Leo University, this $20 million facility offers fitness amenities. If you live nearby, you likely will use this rather than building another gym in Mohrs Crossing.
- Mirada’s 15-acre Crystal Lagoon: If you haven’t seen or heard of Mirada (one of the neighboring communities), its crystal lagoon is a big draw. Swimming, paddleboarding, relaxed recreation are part of that.
What Mohrs Crossing Will Mean for Saint Leo
This is the part where you get what is at stake:
- Population jump: Saint Leo would go from ~45 households to maybe ~700 households. That’s massive for the smallest township in all of Pasco County. The character, infrastructure demands, and services will change.
- Traffic, roads, utilities, schools: More homes mean more cars, more demand on local roads, possibly upgrades needed. Water/sewer, power, Internet—all will need to scale.
- Preservation vs development: While the grotto is preserved, and while the plan is scaled down from an earlier proposal (which wanted ~1,000 homes), conservation and sensitive development will be key. Wetlands, tree canopy, views, paths, buffer zones will matter.
What to Expect in Prices & Timeline
- Sales of homes likely will not begin until at least Q2 of 2027, given reviews, approvals, site work.
- Pricing is not firm. But as a comparison: townhomes in nearby Mirada are starting in the $250,000-$300,000 range. Homes in Mohrs Crossing may begin near or above that for townhomes depending on market then. Premium lots will cost more.
- Single family homes vary widely depending on lot, finish, garage size, square footage.
Final Thoughts
Saint Leo Florida is at a turning point. Mohrs Crossing promises opportunity: more housing variety, active lifestyle, access to trails, proximity to university/abbey, natural beauty. It also poses challenges: growth, preserving what makes Saint Leo special, managing change in a small community.
For anyone considering moving here, investing here, or staying here it is vital to monitor how the approvals go, check if the developer fulfills promises for amenities and conservation, and watch what happens to pricing and community services.
To receive updates about this proposed community and others in the area contact Allison Newlon at [email protected] or 813-263-8644.
