View Full Version : Brownwood
Chi-Town
04-21-2015, 09:33 AM
Heading north on the Turnpike a couple of miles before the Villages exit there is a billboard advertising Brownwood. It mentions entertainment nightly and what turns to make to get there. To me it kind of lessens the feeling of a town center for Villagers and makes it more of a tourist destination.
I know the town squares are for everybody, but the billboard still bothers me.
TVMayor
04-21-2015, 09:44 AM
Things are changing now that H. Gary M. Is gone and the way I see it, it is not for the better.
Bonny
04-21-2015, 09:50 AM
Things are changing now that H. Gary M. Is gone and the way I see it, it is not for the better.
That sign has been there. It has nothing to do with Gary Morse being gone.
NYGUY
04-21-2015, 09:54 AM
Businesses advertise to attract more customers....it's the American way. I have no problem with it!!
FlamingoFlo
04-21-2015, 10:21 AM
If we want to keep our businesses running and attract new favorite stores then we have to be happy with non Villagers coming to these restaurants and stores. That also means getting them to the squares. I'm happy to share.
TVMayor
04-21-2015, 12:35 PM
That sign has been there. It has nothing to do with Gary Morse being gone.
The Turnpike, the billboard and Brownwood are out of my traffic pattern. I just passed by the soon to be renovated (I think that is the word) Katie Belle�s. I am sure GM had nothing to do with that ether seeing he is gone.
Bonny
04-21-2015, 12:43 PM
The Turnpike, the billboard and Brownwood are out of my traffic pattern. I just passed by the soon to be renovated (I think that is the word) Katie Belle�s. I am sure GM had nothing to do with that ether seeing he is gone.
Do you really think the day after Gary passes the kids say okay let's make changes ?? :ohdear:
The planning for Katie Belles' renovation has been going on for quite some time getting architectural design, drawings, permits, approvals etc. That process takes a very long time !
Dr Winston O Boogie jr
04-21-2015, 12:47 PM
I noticed that none of the signs for Brownwood say The Villages on them. I believe that the only place The Villages shows up is on the signs on each side of the intersection Buena Vista and 44.
Some people say that Brownwood wasn't built for The Villages, it was built more for the people of Wildwood.
Bonny
04-21-2015, 12:51 PM
I noticed that none of the signs for Brownwood say The Villages on them. I believe that the only place The Villages shows up is on the signs on each side of the intersection Buena Vista and 44.
Some people say that Brownwood wasn't built for The Villages, it was built more for the people of Wildwood.
If it doesn't say anywhere on the sign The Villages, it could be a marketing thing to bring people in.
Bogie Shooter
04-21-2015, 12:55 PM
I noticed that none of the signs for Brownwood say The Villages on them. I believe that the only place The Villages shows up is on the signs on each side of the intersection Buena Vista and 44.
Some people say that Brownwood wasn't built for The Villages, it was built more for the people of Wildwood.
Most of the time these unknown "some people" have no idea what they are talking about!
Barefoot
04-21-2015, 01:47 PM
Some people say that Brownwood wasn't built for The Villages, it was built more for the people of Wildwood.
Some people say there is a P in Lake Sumter. But it's not true.
Cisco Kid
04-21-2015, 02:04 PM
Do you really think the day after Gary passes the kids say okay let's make changes ?? :ohdear:
The planning for Katie Belles' renovation has been going on for quite some time getting architectural design, drawings, permits, approvals etc. That process takes a very long time !
The curse of the third generation.
NavyNJ
04-21-2015, 02:31 PM
Well, not sure about the origin or intent of the billboards on the Turnpike or Rt. 75, but it sure seems that Sumter County is getting all the mileage they can from the activities, retail venues and other attractions offered by The Villages via their County Tourism web pages. And not only Brownwood Paddock is featured, btw.
Sumter Tourism (http://discoversumterfl.com/category/things-to-do/5-shopping-town-centers/entertainment/)
Bonny
04-21-2015, 02:42 PM
Well, not sure about the origin or intent of the billboards on the Turnpike or Rt. 75, but it sure seems that Sumter County is getting all the mileage they can from the activities, retail venues and other attractions offered by The Villages via their County Tourism web pages. And not only Brownwood Paddock is featured, btw.
Sumter Tourism (http://discoversumterfl.com/category/things-to-do/5-shopping-town-centers/entertainment/)
That's awesome because that way everyone can make money running busy successful businesses. :coolsmiley:
janmcn
04-21-2015, 02:50 PM
That's awesome because that way everyone can make money running busy successful businesses. :coolsmiley:
Totally agree, and if they are advertising along the turnpike, they are sure to attract a more diverse crowd which is good for businesses.
Dr Winston O Boogie jr
04-21-2015, 03:39 PM
Most of the time these unknown "some people" have no idea what they are talking about!
Could be but I find it very odd that they built a town square on the very edge of The Villages. It's three miles from Spanish Springs Town Square to Market Square in LSL. It's about eight miles from LSL to Brownwood. If 44 is to be the southern most point of TV, would it have made more sense to build a town square that is more accessible to all of the people from LSL to 44?
That and the fact that none of the signage has the words The Villages on it makes me wonder if what these people are saying might be true.
dbussone
04-21-2015, 03:46 PM
Could be but I find it very odd that they built a town square on the very edge of The Villages. It's three miles from Spanish Springs Town Square to Market Square in LSL. It's about eight miles from LSL to Brownwood. If 44 is to be the southern most point of TV, would it have made more sense to build a town square that is more accessible to all of the people from LSL to 44?
That and the fact that none of the signage has the words The Villages on it makes me wonder if what these people are saying might be true.
Doc - isn't SS located in a similar manner on the edge. And 441 is much busier than 44.
looneycat
04-21-2015, 04:29 PM
hmm, let's see, the signs direct you to Brownwood which just happens to be next to the site that is supposed to house 500,000 sq ft of shopping, the Antrim dells mall......nope sounds about right to me.
:shrug:
raynitsche
04-21-2015, 04:55 PM
It was my belief that once I bought my house in The Villages that no others would be allowed?
Mikeod
04-21-2015, 05:31 PM
Could be but I find it very odd that they built a town square on the very edge of The Villages. It's three miles from Spanish Springs Town Square to Market Square in LSL. It's about eight miles from LSL to Brownwood. If 44 is to be the southern most point of TV, would it have made more sense to build a town square that is more accessible to all of the people from LSL to 44?
That and the fact that none of the signage has the words The Villages on it makes me wonder if what these people are saying might be true.
IIRC, Brownwood is a joint project of TV and Wildwood and there is some type of revenue sharing with the city. That may explain the absence of The Villages on some signs.
tomwed
04-21-2015, 05:33 PM
The turnpike is on the way to Disney. When I was forty, with a minivan load of kids heading to Disney, I would have been curious enough to stop. It certainly would have planted some seeds.
Bogie Shooter
04-21-2015, 05:36 PM
Doc - isn't SS located in a similar manner on the edge. And 441 is much busier than 44.
Oh darn, there goes his theory........................
Dr Winston O Boogie jr
04-21-2015, 08:21 PM
Doc - isn't SS located in a similar manner on the edge. And 441 is much busier than 44.
True, but SS was at the center of The Villages when it was built. I don't know if they had planned on expanding past 466 at that point. If you look at a map of The Villages north of 466 you'll see that SS Tow Square is fairly centrally located. Especially on a north west to south east line.
SS Town Square is accessible to the area near Lopez and everything in between. There is a lot of The Villages to the north west of Town Square.
Maybe the developer is planning on expanding south of 44.
golf2140
04-21-2015, 08:57 PM
If the business's in our town squares only had Villagers for customers they wouldn't last long.
NYGUY
04-21-2015, 09:12 PM
....Brownwood is a joint project of TV and Wildwood and there is some type of revenue sharing with the city.
Since Brownwood is in Wildwood, I would think it had to be a joint project with some revenues flowing to the city.
Barefoot
04-21-2015, 09:49 PM
It was my belief that once I bought my house in The Villages that no others would be allowed?
:evil6:
graciegirl
04-22-2015, 04:39 AM
True, but SS was at the center of The Villages when it was built. I don't know if they had planned on expanding past 466 at that point. If you look at a map of The Villages north of 466 you'll see that SS Tow Square is fairly centrally located. Especially on a north west to south east line.
SS Town Square is accessible to the area near Lopez and everything in between. There is a lot of The Villages to the north west of Town Square.
Maybe the developer is planning on expanding south of 44.
I think here is how it works. Spanish Springs is sorta at the top.
Lake Sumter Landing is sorta in the middle.
And Brownwood is in the south and at the bottom. They are all fine where they are.
I can't see why their location is a matter of concern. They all seem to be in areas where we can take a nice ride and get to them. Some are closer to us than others.
Villager Joyce
04-22-2015, 05:57 AM
For all the rude comments about Brownwood in multiple threads, we haven't had anyone be arrested for "dancing the dance of love" on our stage. I haven't seen seat saving problems. In fact, generally speaking, people move over and make room for late arrivers. Drug arrests? Nope that was another square. We have fantastic restaurants around the square. I love my little Brownwood.
CFrance
04-22-2015, 08:09 AM
For all the rude comments about Brownwood in multiple threads, we haven't had anyone be arrested for "dancing the dance of love" on our stage. I haven't seen seat saving problems. In fact, generally speaking, people move over and make room for late arrivers. Drug arrests? Nope that was another square. We have fantastic restaurants around the square. I love my little Brownwood.
So do I, VJ.:wave:
looneycat
04-22-2015, 08:24 AM
For all the rude comments about Brownwood in multiple threads, we haven't had anyone be arrested for "dancing the dance of love" on our stage. I haven't seen seat saving problems. In fact, generally speaking, people move over and make room for late arrivers. Drug arrests? Nope that was another square. We have fantastic restaurants around the square. I love my little Brownwood.
excuse me but all the squares are part of TV so everything that goes on at any square is also yours. I don't really appreciate trying to disparage the events at squares further from you as if to say you're better than others, it will come back to haunt you when the additional shopping is built and Brownwood gets more crowded.
kstew43
04-22-2015, 08:33 AM
So do I, VJ.:wave:
The parking is easier in Brownwood as well......for now anyway...... Love the bleachers.....
Bonny
04-22-2015, 08:37 AM
For all the rude comments about Brownwood in multiple threads, we haven't had anyone be arrested for "dancing the dance of love" on our stage. I haven't seen seat saving problems. In fact, generally speaking, people move over and make room for late arrivers. Drug arrests? Nope that was another square. We have fantastic restaurants around the square. I love my little Brownwood.
Really ? Your Brownwood ? So I guess LSL is mine. :p
CFrance
04-22-2015, 09:59 AM
Boy, jumping on VJ for stating her opinion. All she's saying is she likes it better than the other squares, and why.
janmcn
04-22-2015, 10:22 AM
The turnpike is on the way to Disney. When I was forty, with a minivan load of kids heading to Disney, I would have been curious enough to stop. It certainly would have planted some seeds.
According to the OP, you and your minivan load of kids would see the sign as you were heading home from Disney. This sounds like the well-thought out plan to turn Brownwood into a destination for Florida tourists returning from Disney, or cruises, or beaches.
Chi-Town
04-22-2015, 10:37 AM
According to the OP, you and your minivan load of kids would see the sign as you were heading home from Disney. This sounds like the well-thought out plan to turn Brownwood into a destination for Florida tourists returning from Disney, or cruises, or beaches.
Actually, the post stated that the billboard is visible going north before the Villages exit.
Villager Joyce
04-22-2015, 11:36 AM
excuse me but all the squares are part of TV so everything that goes on at any square is also yours. I don't really appreciate trying to disparage the events at squares further from you as if to say you're better than others, it will come back to haunt you when the additional shopping is built and Brownwood gets more crowded.
You didn't hear or I wasn't clear. I was defending all past threads bad mouthing Brownwood.
Villager Joyce
04-22-2015, 11:38 AM
Really ? Your Brownwood ? So I guess LSL is mine. :p
Term of endearment.
Beechie
04-22-2015, 11:40 AM
Boy, jumping on VJ for stating her opinion. All she's saying is she likes it better than the other squares, and why.
This is not my battle but I fail to see your perceived ill intent. I read it as more of a tongue-in-cheek retort.
tomwed
04-22-2015, 03:04 PM
According to the OP, you and your minivan load of kids would see the sign as you were heading home from Disney. This sounds like the well-thought out plan to turn Brownwood into a destination for Florida tourists returning from Disney, or cruises, or beaches.
And the sign would be seen by out of staters heading north with a minivan full of kids.
Mleeja
04-22-2015, 03:51 PM
And the sign would be seen by out of staters heading north with a minivan full of kids.
And there is a sales office in Brownwood. After spending the day at Disney and a minivan full of kids, an all adult community might look enticing.
Villager Joyce
04-22-2015, 04:15 PM
And there is a sales office in Brownwood. After spending the day at Disney and a minivan full of kids, an all adult community might look enticing.
You got it!!
LndLocked
04-22-2015, 09:07 PM
Well, not sure about the origin or intent of the billboards on the Turnpike or Rt. 75, but it sure seems that Sumter County is getting all the mileage they can from the activities, retail venues and other attractions offered by The Villages via their County Tourism web pages. And not only Brownwood Paddock is featured, btw.
Sumter Tourism (http://discoversumterfl.com/category/things-to-do/5-shopping-town-centers/entertainment/)
As well they should considering that the Sumter County Tourist Development Board gives $$$$$ for "entertainment" in the TV squares.
dotti105
04-22-2015, 09:30 PM
Brownwood will one day soon become a dynamic town square like Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter. The buildings are there, they are charming and the lore of Brownwood is hard to resist.
But those buildings need to be filled with great retailers and fun restaurants. Brownwood needs to get lots of traffic there to get businesses interested in coming there.
I think the advertising is great!
If we did not have "outsiders" here, we would have really boring squares with minimal retail and dining. The visitors, potential buyers, guests and relatives keep the squares and the entertainment top notch. That is.... unless we want higher amenity fees to off set the $$ spent by those "outsiders".
Waverunner
04-23-2015, 12:03 AM
The Brownwood sign on the turnpike is very near the new coming (yet to be finished)exit off the turnpike for The Villages that will exit straight onto what becomes Morse Blvd. Excellent marketing use and location.
Bonanza
04-23-2015, 02:25 AM
Doc - isn't SS located in a similar manner on the edge. And 441 is much busier than 44.
Yes, 441 is much busier than 44 and for good reason. It is a major north/south Florida road.
I think in time, we will see a big change in 44 with all kinds of new shoppping.
The location is good for those travelling east towards Leesberg and those going west towards the Turnpike and I-75.
Brownwood is just the beginning of a growing commercial area, and it's all good!
Bonanza
04-23-2015, 02:30 AM
The Brownwood sign on the turnpike is very near the new coming (yet to be finished)exit off the turnpike for The Villages that will exit straight onto what becomes Morse Blvd. Excellent marketing use and location.
Unfortunately, that is waaaaaay on a back burner.
Don't hold your breath.
Mleeja
04-23-2015, 06:49 AM
Echoing what others have already written, for Brownwood (and all other squares) to remain vibrant outside visitors are needed. Just think about the cities and towns we all came from. Folks from the surrounding communities came to the businesses and restaurants and supported the community. It is no different here. We want to welcome others to the squares and support this wonderful area we all call home.
jblum315
04-23-2015, 06:56 AM
It was my belief that once I bought my house in The Villages that no others would be allowed?
?????????
looneycat
04-23-2015, 07:54 AM
need we say more...
dewilson58
04-23-2015, 07:56 AM
?????????
Sheldon
Chatbrat
04-23-2015, 07:59 AM
without $$$ nothing happens, retirees who care about happy hour prices and twofers, kill businesses, tourists and locals are the real profit incentives
cquick
04-26-2015, 08:20 AM
The Villages wouldn't even be here if the developer didn't advertise! How are our new residents going to find out how great it is here, unless they visit?
I'm glad the word gets out!
DougB
04-26-2015, 08:59 AM
Really ? Your Brownwood ? So I guess LSL is mine. :p
Great! That makes Spanish Springs mine! Going up there now to rope it off. We gonna need some more squares.
Bonny
04-26-2015, 09:04 AM
Great! That makes Spanish Springs mine! Going up there now to rope it off. We gonna need some more squares.
I think we should stand out on our squares and collect an admittance charge. :a20:
Cisco Kid
04-26-2015, 09:20 AM
The 4th square in mine.
The great-grand kids are planning it now.
Bonny
04-26-2015, 09:42 AM
The 4th square in mine.
The great-grand kids are planning it now.
:a20:
Villager Joyce
04-26-2015, 11:00 AM
I believe most people have a church, pew in their church, grocery store, gas station, radio station and, yes, square they prefer or refer to as theirs.
Buckeye Bob
04-26-2015, 11:13 AM
If we don't want "outsiders" coming into our squares to spend money at the restaurants, shops, etc., maybe we'll become the "outsiders" once we step out of the villages.
Villager Joyce
04-26-2015, 11:35 AM
We absolutely need people from surrounding areas to frequent the businesses and enjoy the entertainment.
2BNTV
04-26-2015, 11:35 AM
True, but SS was at the center of The Villages when it was built. I don't know if they had planned on expanding past 466 at that point. If you look at a map of The Villages north of 466 you'll see that SS Tow Square is fairly centrally located. Especially on a north west to south east line.
SS Town Square is accessible to the area near Lopez and everything in between. There is a lot of The Villages to the north west of Town Square.
Maybe the developer is planning on expanding south of 44.
:agree: but several REA have stated otherwise as they said it is commercially owned and those companies will build what they see fit. Who's to say?
I like to let H. Gary Morse rest in peace as the children has been in control for several years, as Gary was very sick. IMHO
HimandMe
04-26-2015, 12:04 PM
It definitely looks like it is to draw outsiders in to an already overcrowded "town center". We don't golf and having the town centers was the main reason for buying here with the hefty bond fees. Disappointed definitely!
CFrance
04-26-2015, 12:11 PM
It definitely looks like it is to draw outsiders in to an already overcrowded "town center". We don't golf and having the town centers was the main reason for buying here with the hefty bond fees. Disappointed definitely!
Himandme, I'm sorry you were disappointed. We were told by our sales agent that the squares are not private and are open to the public. I hope your sales agent or Realtor was up front with you about that.
Bogie Shooter
04-26-2015, 12:44 PM
It definitely looks like it is to draw outsiders in to an already overcrowded "town center". We don't golf and having the town centers was the main reason for buying here with the hefty bond fees. Disappointed definitely!
What? Really?
JoMar
04-26-2015, 01:08 PM
It definitely looks like it is to draw outsiders in to an already overcrowded "town center". We don't golf and having the town centers was the main reason for buying here with the hefty bond fees. Disappointed definitely!
You're kidding right? 2000 plus clubs and organizations, tons of rec centers, ball games to watch, polo matches to watch and you bought because of the town squares? Yeah, you're kidding.
joldnol
04-26-2015, 06:15 PM
True, but SS was at the center of The Villages when it was built. I don't know if they had planned on expanding past 466 at that point. If you look at a map of The Villages north of 466 you'll see that SS Tow Square is fairly centrally located. Especially on a north west to south east line.
SS Town Square is accessible to the area near Lopez and everything in between. There is a lot of The Villages to the north west of Town Square.
.
If you enjoy a 30 minute cart ride. Lopez is near nothing.
2BNTV
04-27-2015, 08:43 AM
"The best square is the one your in, at that moment, in time"!!!
Nuff said.......
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