New Construction Update Video

[Goldwingnut]

Here's the latest look at construction including the Villages of Chitty Chatty and De Luna as well as a look at the connectivity issue between the two parts of The Villages including my 2 cents on what is going on and what is coming.

Construction Update Video 3-2-20 (https://youtu.be/CShwripnYxY)

[tghoul]

The Lofts rent includes one free reserved outdoor parking space but garages are extra.

[MrExcite721]

Thanks Don, delayed crickets at Magnolia Plaza was brilliant!

[OCsun]

Thanks Don,

It is so easy for me to understand the logic behind the building process after I see your videos. Thanks for sharing!

[Altavia]

Interesting thinking that a golf cart lane on the Warm Springs turnpike bridge might be in the plans.

[VillageIdiots]

Don, I agree with your logic on the connectivity over to Rohan. However, I'm not sure I agree that will be the primary and/or only route to the western (Brownwood) side, which is where they need to push the people and the money to from the Southern Oaks area - hence that big piece of iron that has been sitting beside the turnpike for months. In your video you used the word vague about communication. I don't think I would use that word to describe it. Evasive might be a better description. There is nothing vague about printing "January 2020" on maps that were available to the public. There was nothing vague about the Vmail that came out a few months ago stating the connectivity would be completed in April/May 2020. And the article in last week's paper that stated the bridges would be complete by end of 2020 was not vague. Keep in mind that "complete" and "opened" are two different things. What bugs me most about the whole thing as, as the dates have slid, no communications have acknowledged the slide, provided any reasons for the slide, or build any confidence in the latest time frame given. Many of us are just fine without the connectivity but are looking forward to it when we get it. It's just the transparency, or lack thereof, that has been the most disappointing.

Great job, as usual, on the excellent and informative videos.

[Bogie Shooter]

I would suggest you take your complaining to the multitude of threads available for that topic and leave this thread clean.
Quite frankly I think Don can use whatever words he wants.

[VillageIdiots]

I would suggest you take your complaining to the multitude of threads available for that topic and leave this thread clean.
Quite frankly I think Don can use whatever words he wants.

Wow, interesting take from someone with those particular quotes in their sig line. For the record, I appreciate what Don does and even appreciate the degree to which he has to toe the line on certain things. I'm certainly not complaining about him and I'm not even complaining about the connectivity. As your quote's point out, a little transparency goes a long way, and that's all I'm looking for - but I know it's not Don that is denying it.

[Goldwingnut]

Yes, perhaps vague may not have been the most accurate of words to use. Certainly there is a lack of transparency and forthrightness about the schedule changes. The January 2020 was clearly an advertising push, then to slide in the back handed announcement of April/May was an "oh by the way", a month ago it was the bridges would be "set" in 2020 (the Brownwood bridge has been set since Aug 22 2019) was a deliberate choice of words for appeasement, last weeks announcement is as stated above not that the connectivity will be in place, only that the bridges would be done. All made with carefully chosen words if one listens, and never making a commitment.

I could talk at length of the carefully planned building of the 2nd Warm Springs span over the turnpike, its timing and the timing of pushing for improvement of the US301 exit , subsequent reclaiming of the donated land for the exit, and then rapidly submitted permitting for the current work on all 4 corners forever ending the exit debate. This was all a very carefully played game of chess for which The Villages are Grand Masters of the game.

The connecting to Brownwood is obviously an unavoidable problem for them now, but using the Warm Springs bridge as I've described quickly puts to rest the "Connectivity" issue. You can get to Brownwood from Rohan via Morse-Hillsborough Trail-Buena Vista, but it may add a few minutes to the trip.

A final thought, does it make sense that they would put two shopping and commercial areas so close (opposite side of the turnpike) and then require a huge detour just to get across the turnpike. From Magnolia Plaza to the Water Lily bridge then back to Warm Springs Avenue is the equivalent distance of trying to cross 466 at Laurel Manner to get to the Saddlebrook course by going all the way down to the High School and crossing and then coming back. Or going south to the Baxley bridge is like trying to cross 466 at Morse by going down to Bob Evans West of Buena Vista and back. Neither route seems a viable option and connectivity as I've proposed is a logical conclusion that avoids these protracted detours.

We shall see what time brings, if it happens then you know where you heard it first. If it doesn't then I'm wrong, but don't tell my wife or I'll never live it down.

[stings]

Thanks for the great update. Your supposition of the Warm Springs golf car MMP makes a lot of sense. I’ve been thinking that the obvious new push for Chitty Chatty/Bradford and the bridge adjacent to Rohan that this was where the initial connectivity would happen. Gets around possible FDOT approvals for Waterlily/Bixley for the time being while at least giving full, although not “perfect”, connectivity.

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

Wow, thank you Gold Wing Nut for the video and helpful explanation

[Jewelz]

Thanks so much Don- we always look forward to your updates!!

[Bay Kid]

Amazing how huge TVs is becoming. Thank you for the update.

[dougjb]

That was wonderful! Thank you for your work in putting this together.

[Rwirish]

Thanks so much for doing this. Any photos/updates on the new Championship Golf Course?

[RedBoneJones]

Great video GoldWingNut! Coming to TV in about a week and that is the exact area we wanted to see. Very enlightening. Thanks!

[wmcgowan]

Yes, perhaps vague may not have been the most accurate of words to use. Certainly there is a lack of transparency and forthrightness about the schedule changes. The January 2020 was clearly an advertising push, then to slide in the back handed announcement of April/May was an "oh by the way", a month ago it was the bridges would be "set" in 2020 (the Brownwood bridge has been set since Aug 22 2019) was a deliberate choice of words for appeasement, last weeks announcement is as stated above not that the connectivity will be in place, only that the bridges would be done. All made with carefully chosen words if one listens, and never making a commitment.

I could talk at length of the carefully planned building of the 2nd Warm Springs span over the turnpike, its timing and the timing of pushing for improvement of the US301 exit , subsequent reclaiming of the donated land for the exit, and then rapidly submitted permitting for the current work on all 4 corners forever ending the exit debate. This was all a very carefully played game of chess for which The Villages are Grand Masters of the game.

The connecting to Brownwood is obviously an unavoidable problem for them now, but using the Warm Springs bridge as I've described quickly puts to rest the "Connectivity" issue. You can get to Brownwood from Rohan via Morse-Hillsborough Trail-Buena Vista, but it may add a few minutes to the trip.

A final thought, does it make sense that they would put two shopping and commercial areas so close (opposite side of the turnpike) and then require a huge detour just to get across the turnpike. From Magnolia Plaza to the Water Lily bridge then back to Warm Springs Avenue is the equivalent distance of trying to cross 466 at Laurel Manner to get to the Saddlebrook course by going all the way down to the High School and crossing and then coming back. Or going south to the Baxley bridge is like trying to cross 466 at Morse by going down to Bob Evans West of Buena Vista and back. Neither route seems a viable option and connectivity as I've proposed is a logical conclusion that avoids these protracted detours.

We shall see what time brings, if it happens then you know where you heard it first. If it doesn't then I'm wrong, but don't tell my wife or I'll never live it down.

Don - just keep doing what you do! Thank you for the postings - it takes a lot of work to put these packages together.

[tghoul]

Is the lane on the Warm Springs bridge wide enough for 2 golf carts to pass side by side?

[MollyJo]

Thank you for all the work you put in making/posting your videos, I find them informative & interesting. I read recently that DR Horton homes are not good quality building. If this is correct, I’m surprised TV allows this builder to continue building. Opinions?

[Goldwingnut]

Thank you for all the work you put in making/posting your videos, I find them informative & interesting. I read recently that DR Horton homes are not good quality building. If this is correct, I’m surprised TV allows this builder to continue building. Opinions?

DR Horton has been around for may years here in Florida, I've looked at many of their homes in communities around central Florida over the last 14 years and have never seen anything that would indicate poor quality work or materials. When I visited the property on Sunday I walked the homes under construction and saw no issues in the construction (yes I think I'm qualified to make such an assessment after 20 years in the construction business as a project manager). One difference I did notice was that they do not use metal studs in the walls, all the framing is done with wood 2x4 or 2x6 studs, The Villages makes extensive use of metal studs in most of their home construction. Both materials have their pluses and minuses but nothing that would make for superior construction.

The Villages has nothing to do with the construction of the homes in the Beaumont development or by DR Homes, it is a completely separate development.

[Goldwingnut]

Is the lane on the Warm Springs bridge wide enough for 2 golf carts to pass side by side?

In a word, yes.

The available space is greater than that used to cross Lake Sumter at LSL. I'm going out this weekend with tape measure in hand to measure both crossings to have the exact numbers for a comparison.

[Linda Taranto]

Thanks so much for sharing! It was very educational for me. I've lived in the Village of Largo since 2006 and had no idea how expansive this really is.

[ColdNoMore]

In a word, yes.

The available space is greater than that used to cross Lake Sumter at LSL. I'm going out this weekend with tape measure in hand to measure both crossings to have the exact numbers for a comparison.

That's not real comforting, as I consider myself a very skillful driver...and still hate that bridge. :oops:

Having Curtis Cab doors doesn't help and I always make sure both are closed...before crossing.


Will be anxious to hear the actual measurements/comparisons.

[Dave2000]

I was shock at the cost of having a water view $150,000/$200,000 just for the lot. Its not like your buying lake front property you can use. Its a large retention pond. I guess its in the eye of the beholder.

[Bogie Shooter]

I was shock at the cost of having a water view $150,000/$200,000 just for the lot. Its not like your buying lake front property you can use. Its a large retention pond. I guess its in the eye of the beholder.

Not new. Lots north of 466A were sold in that range back as far as 2005.

[Number 10 GI]

I don't want to be driving a golf cart on Warm Springs even in a designated cart lane. I drive on that road multiple times a day and there some drivers who are total idiots with their excessive speed, lane changing to get ahead of just one car, and tailgating. I have been passed by people traveling at 60 - 70 MPH.

[Packer Fan]

In a word, yes.

The available space is greater than that used to cross Lake Sumter at LSL. I'm going out this weekend with tape measure in hand to measure both crossings to have the exact numbers for a comparison.

Great idea Goldwingnut! Even if it is not, you could get around that issue by having Stop lights on each end and having it be one lane, just switching every 5 minutes or so. It kind of amazes me that TV has not announced that option and gone with it. It is so obvious.

[M2inOR]

Some new activity near Water Lily Rec Center side of the Turnpike bridge:

There's now a huge crane in place near where the bridge mounting structure will be located on south side of the Turnpike. Perhaps this is a positive sign that something is happening.

There's been another crane parked farther east on the north side of the Turnpike.

[Goldwingnut]

Here's a link to the followup video with the measurements and more details on my connectivity theory.

My Connectivity Theory 3-9-20 - YouTube (https://youtu.be/ZtmdBF95PK8)

[Altavia]

Excellent analysis Don, I hope you are right.

Interesting to see all the work on the golf cart tunnels at that location, hopefully another positive indicator for your theory.

[russtcc]

This would be great! Who do we call to make this happen??

[KeithDB]

It would mean there would be no shoulder space on the bridge at all for cars. A single car breaks down on the bridge and traffic is doomed.

[pacjag]

There’s really not much along Warm Springs to connect to. The northern turnpike bridge connects to the larger portion of development on the north side of Warm Springs and is fed by the Brownwood bridge. The southern bridge, the cattle bridge, connects to the southern development at a more central point and will, I suspect, be fed directly by the Chitty Chatty bridge. I just don’t see the need for 3 points of access over the turnpike, Don, but you may be right. Consider also, though, that the developer has publicly announced their plan for bridges and access so why would they not include access across the Warm Springs bridge if that was in the plan?

[neilbcox]

How many championship golf courses have been planned, where are they and are any under current construction?

[Goldwingnut]

How many championship golf courses have been planned, where are they and are any under current construction?

To date, only one new championship course has been announced, it is on the north side of the Turnpike adjacent to the Okahumpka service plaza, some work on it has been started. I'll try to show some video footage of it in my next video.

It is important to understand that Championship courses are not amenities, they are private businesses, they have to make a profit to survive.

Thant being said, it is important to understand what it takes to support a Championship course and how many homes have been built. If you work the numbers, it takes about 6700 homes to support a Championship course, based on the ratios north of SR44. Currently there are about 3500 homes sold south of SR44, far short of what is needed to support a Championship course.

The southern areas seem bigger than because the main roads pass directly through the middle of the communities, where as north of 44 most traffic is along Morse and Buena Vista and it is difficult to comprehend the scale of the development on either side of the road.

It only takes a little digging and some close examination of plans that have been published and past trends to identify at least 2 more championship course and 4 or 5 more executive courses in the very near future.

Again, the champion ship courses, and The Villages development company for that matter, are businesses, in the business of making money. Many here in the bubble have forgotten how the world works, they spout words like "greed" about The Villages on their iPads, or Windows based computers, on FaceBook as they shop Amazon and search the internet with Google or YouTube. What do all these have in common, these are the 5 largest companies in the world, each hundreds of times larger than The Villages, but somehow there is no "greed" in their operations. The true greed is staring them in the mirror with their "I want" attitudes and "I've got mine now it's too big and they need to stop building because it's too big and they're just being greedy" mantra.

I guess I got a little off track, sorry about that. More are coming, that is for sure. The Villages is just better at keeping secrets than anybody else and they only release the information as they want. Unless someone can bet them to it...

[stings]

To date, only one new championship course has been announced, it is on the north side of the Turnpike adjacent to the Okahumpka service plaza, some work on it has been started. I'll try to show some video footage of it in my next video.

It is important to understand that Championship courses are not amenities, they are private businesses, they have to make a profit to survive.

Thant being said, it is important to understand what it takes to support a Championship course and how many homes have been built. If you work the numbers, it takes about 6700 homes to support a Championship course, based on the ratios north of SR44. Currently there are about 3500 homes sold south of SR44, far short of what is needed to support a Championship course.

The southern areas seem bigger than because the main roads pass directly through the middle of the communities, where as north of 44 most traffic is along Morse and Buena Vista and it is difficult to comprehend the scale of the development on either side of the road.

It only takes a little digging and some close examination of plans that have been published and past trends to identify at least 2 more championship course and 4 or 5 more executive courses in the very near future.

Again, the champion ship courses, and The Villages development company for that matter, are businesses, in the business of making money. Many here in the bubble have forgotten how the world works, they spout words like "greed" about The Villages on their iPads, or Windows based computers, on FaceBook as they shop Amazon and search the internet with Google or YouTube. What do all these have in common, these are the 5 largest companies in the world, each hundreds of times larger than The Villages, but somehow there is no "greed" in their operations. The true greed is staring them in the mirror with their "I want" attitudes and "I've got mine now it's too big and they need to stop building because it's too big and they're just being greedy" mantra.

I guess I got a little off track, sorry about that. More are coming, that is for sure. The Villages is just better at keeping secrets than anybody else and they only release the information as they want. Unless someone can bet them to it...
Well said. Thank you.

[Goldwingnut]

It would mean there would be no shoulder space on the bridge at all for cars. A single car breaks down on the bridge and traffic is doomed.

The other span (east bound) has no shoulder space on it and that has not been a problem for the 30+ years that that bridge has been in existence. It is not uncommon for a bridge to not have shoulder lanes, they are usually a short distance and aren't considered necessary.

[Goldwingnut]

Some new activity near Water Lily Rec Center side of the Turnpike bridge:

There's now a huge crane in place near where the bridge mounting structure will be located on south side of the Turnpike. Perhaps this is a positive sign that something is happening.

There's been another crane parked farther east on the north side of the Turnpike.

Went by and flew this areas today, not a lot of movement. Yes there's a crane and they've back filled an area for heavy equipment, but no construction materials or other signs of work happening. But it is worth watching, having a crane parked and not being used is expensive and The Villages developer is not one to waste money.

If you live in the area and you start to see things happening, drop me a message and I'll get some pictures/video footage.