Ryan,
Heres's a schematic showing a layout that could work for what you describe.
I wouldn't normally draw it this way, but you said you were spreading the LEDs out so showed the 12V being spread out with them emanating from a common bus.
I showed a mix of drivers for the LEDs coming from 12V.
I'll post a 2nd schematic in a little bit showing LEDs in parallel, each needing their own current limit resister.
I threw in some switches for effect. These would go to inputs with internal pullups enabled. I'm sure you have some s/w in mind that will be turning on the banks more automatically.
Just starting to flurry in the western suburbs, supposed to get 12-16-20", we'll see how it plays out.
Have to rearrange the garage now so I can get the snowblower out later.