New Development, New Look
For years, drivers along Highway 54 between Eldon and Lake Ozark have wondered about a building that has served many purposes, from a feed store to an auction site to a restaurant. Now, it has a fresh, new look. The building has been transformed into the headquarters and showroom for Otto Construction and Ragan Cabinets. Known for their high-end work around Lake Ozark, owner Tony Otto identified a need for a premier cabinet supplier, leading to the launch of Ragan Cabinets. On October 24, the businesses officially moved in, with plans for an open house this winter to welcome the community to their new location at 3 Riley Mead Ln., Eldon, MO.
Lodging Tax
A recent Missouri Supreme Court ruling has eliminated the lodging tax at Lake of the Ozarks, declaring the law that established the tax unconstitutional. The tax had long been a point of contention, with some vacation rental owners refusing to comply and engaging in costly legal battles. Opponents argued that the business districts responsible for levying the tax were unconstitutional. On June 25, 2024, the court sided with these arguments, sulking down the statute wat enabled the lax and ordering an immediate halt to its collection. The decision has made
vacanons to te dreamole aromaole or vision. the take onue ofairs
is one of the few tourist destinations that do not have additional taxes applied to nightly stays for visitors. Economic forecasts for 2025 show a significant deficit for the Lake of the Ozarks area due to the ruling.
Shootout Changes Venue
The 37th Annual Lake of the Ozarks SHOOTOUT has officially announced a move to Dog Days Bar & Grill for its 2025 race, set for August 23-24. The new location, situated near Mile Marker 19 in Osage Beach, is expected to enhance both safety and the overall event experience for racers, spectators, and sponsors. The change offers better accessibility, more parking, and larger viewing areas. Organizers also plan to utilize the upcoming Oasis & Marriott Resort, which will become a key venue in future years. This relocation aims to boost charitable fundraising and generate economic benefits for the region.
Missouri Votes – 2024
The choice of president on the November 2024 election ballot turned out to be a record number of voters at the polls. With all 50 states asking their citizens for answers on different topics, Missouri had its own essential decisions to make.
Amendment 2: Sports betting passed by a narrow margin and took effect December 1, 2024.
Amendment 3: Missouri citizens voted to approve reproductive rights. Per Attorney General Andrew Bailey, the state can still enforce laws on the books related to parental consent and cases where women or children and other cases with extenuating factors.
Amendment 5: The Lake of the Ozarks voted NO on developing privately owned and operated casinos; however, the vote may not affect Osage Indian-owned casino facilities.
Missouri State Elected Officials: Each party flipped a seat in each chamber. The Republican Party retains 111 seats to 52 held by the Democrat Party in the Missouri House and 23 seats to 11 in the Missouri Senate.
Missourians elected Mike Kehoe as their new governor and David Wasinger as lieutenant governor.
Harbor 19 and the Nineteen Announced: A New Era of Lakefront Luxury
Exciting developments are underway with the launch of Harbor 19 and The Nineteen, a premier lakefront complex just off Highway MM in Sunrise Beach, developed by Brian Downey of Liberty General Contracting. Known for building high-end luxury homes in the area, Downey is also the founder of Woodrow’s Doghouses, high-end man cave storage units.
Harbor 19, now in its Phase 1 development, will feature over 70 slips available for annual lease, day slips for visiting boaters, a state-of-the-art fuel dock, and a fully stocked ship store offering the largest variety of snacks, drinks, and marine supplies. Visitors will also enjoy a modern shower house for added comfort. More information is available at harbor19.com.
Adjacent to Harbor 19, The Nineteen introduces The Retreat Luxury Villas. Offering multiple villa sizes, each includes private garages, individual pools, and stunning high-end finishes. Learn more at thenineteen.com.
Combining Downey’s reputation for luxury craftsmanship with unparalleled lake amenities, Harbor 19 and The Nineteen set a new standard for lakefront living.
A New Look on an Old Treasure
Sky Real Estate has officially acquired the Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace from Simon Property Group, marking a significant step in
the redevelopment of the long-declining shopping center. The 391,000-square-foot mall, once a major economic hub at the Lake of the Ozarks, now faces challenges with only around 20 active stores and increasing health and safety concerns. Sky Real Estate, known for its focus on long-term value and community collaboration, plans to revitalize the property, though specific plans remain undisclosed.
The acquisition follows a failed attempt by Horizon Developments in 2021-2022 to redevelop the site, which collapsed due to disagreements over tax incentives with the City of Osage Beach. Sky Real Estate, founded in 2016, expressed enthusiasm about working with local partners to restore the malt’s role as a vital regional destination
With key tenants like Polo Ralph Lauren, Under Armour, and Bath & Body Works still occupying spaces, the mall’s prime location along Osage Beach Parkway offers potential for revitalization. The community eagerly awaits Sky Real Estate’s vision for the future of the outlet mall, which could involve a mix of retail, entertainment, and even residential development to better serve the area’s needs.
New Luxury RV Resort Coming to Lake of the Ozarks
Lake Ozark has made notable improvements, particularly in infrastructure. A key example is the paving of roads, which has enhanced traffic flow and safety for both residents and visitors. These upgrades have not only improved accessibility but also contributed to the city’s overall appeal. Additionally, enhancements to local parks and waterfront areas have boosted the city’s recreational offerings. These changes have made Lake Ozark a more arracuve destination, supporting economic grown and improving me qualty or tre ror the community.
Supersplash USA: The Reimagined Big Surf Waterpark at Lake of the Ozarks
Big Surf, a beloved family waterpark at the Lake of the Ozarks, is being rebranded and expanded under new ownership by Wheelhouse Waters. The park, now called SuperSplash USA, is undergoing a major transformation to become a world-class destination for family entertainment. Wheelhouse Waters plans to invest $3 million this winter, expanding the park from 13 to 20 acres, introducing new attractions, and creating a patriotic-themed
New additions include the Patriot’s Plunge, a 300-foot, six-lane mat racer, and Adventure Reef, a massive kids’ area. The reimagined park will offer vibrant, themed buildings and rides, providing an entirely new experience for visitors. A ceremonial water dump, attended by local officials and park leadership, marked the official start of construction.
Under the leadership of Scott Johnson, CEO of Wheelhouse Waters, SuperSplash USA aims to provide affordable, wholesome entertainment. Special events will be hosted, including veterans’ celebrations, early openings for special-needs children, and baptisms in the wave pool. A limited number of discounted SplashPasses for the 2025 season are available for purchase at supersplash.com
SuperSplash USA promises to be a top-tier family destination at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Seek and Find, New Golf Entertainment
Pinseekers, a recreational golfing complex, is under development at Lake of the Ozarks, near Osage Beach, and is set to open in 2025. Located on Highway 54, the facility will feature 30 golf bays, a rooftop 9-hole putting green, mini-golf, simulators, arcade games, and full food and drink service. The golf bays will be weather-protected, offering year-round entertainment for visitors.
The project is being led by Tyson and Erin Bowyer, who have invested over $500,000 in site preparation. Originally planned as a luxury “car condo” development, the Bowyers shifted focus to a family-friendly concept after personal setbacks. Pinseekers will partner with Bill and Ryan Ranguette, founders of the Pinseekers franchise, which currently has locations in Wisconsin and Iowa. The venue will differentiate itself from competitors by offering a more local, family-oriented atmosphere with interactive targets, neon lights, and an InRange gaming system that lets players practice and play virtual golf courses.
Pinseekers is strategically located near the new SuperSplash USA waterpark, positioning it as a prime destination for both locals and tourists, adding to the growing family-friendly entertainment options in the Lake of the Ozarks area.