[pcntech]

Middleton is not technically part of The Villages. The families in Middleton have their own amenities and ID's. Their ID's will not work in The Villages. The Villages ID's will not work in Middleton. (They have a very nice dog park but Villagers cannot use it). That being said, "downtown" Middleton, stores, restaurants, nightly entertainment, is open to anyone. Just as Villages entertainment, etc. is open to all. The story I have consistently heard regarding the hospital being built in Eastport is that Gary Search and Oren Miller were pushing for exorbitant impact fees and the hospital said no. No idea if that will change as they are both now out of the picture. The new proposed hospitals are being built just outside The Villages with the micro hospital going in a 301. However 301 is going to be widened from 44a south to Coleman. Plus wastewater service is not available, although the city plans an extension in the future. City water is available from a line that runs along U.S. 301. Wastewater capacity and development agreements are required. When will that all happen? Who knows. There is a new inpatient rehab facility nearing completion on corner of Warm Springs and Meggison Rd. Should open 2nd or 3rd quarter 2025. For the time being, all the folks in Middleton and new Villages in that area have to go up Marsh Bend to Magnolia Plaza to shop. That parking lot has now become a "troll and wait for a spot or follow someone when they come out of a store". At some point a Publix will go in near Middleton but who knows when? There is a Provisions slated for Middleton. This is a small "mini-mart". Villages Grown vacated Sawgrass Marketplace and a Provisions in now in that spot.