The Villages is thinking BIG

[Goldwingnut]

Today's Daily Sun gave us a peak into the grand plan of what is ahead for The Villages. Interesting and exciting to say the least.

For those who don't get the paper, here's some of the highlights:
2 Championship golf courses - 18 & 27 holes
The Urban Core - Town square (a little different design than previous) that matches my prediction of location from 16 months ago https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/4th-town-square-location-288630/
The Lifestyle Center - A super regional sports/entertainment/recreation complex
Another pitch and putt
A second school campus for K-12
Family Support District - residential area for families
Wellness Village - A 400 acre medical complex
Several more commercial areas
The realignment of CR470 that takes much of the issues of Colmen prison out of the picture.

It's a peak of the big picture to come in the near future.

Looks like I'll have plenty of things to keep me flying for the next few years.

[dewilson58]

Thanks for the highlights fly-over.

[Bogie Shooter]

Continuing The Dream

Can be read here:

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/)

[stings]

Don, Thanks for the information. A lot of great things to come it seems.

[davem4616]

Read the article....very obvious that 'The Family' really has been and continues to think about what they can do for everyone else...it's not about them lining their pockets with money, as some of the 'glass-half-empty' nay-sayers comment from time to time.

They're living their dream and it's like an incoming tide...all boats are lifted...everyone is benefiting as a result of their vision and commitment.

[geofitz13]

If you look at the supplement again, see the third page, the one marked with the "2" in the upper right hand corner. The last paragraph states:
" As we look to create destinations for residents to enjoy, plans also include the addition of five championship golf courses...."

I'm guessing that will put to rest the idea that there won't be any champ courses down south.

[zonerboy]

With many of the original Brownwood commercial and retail buildings still sitting empty, as well as the newly built empty commercial buildings, I wonder just how and who the developers are going to get to occupy the newly planned commerce areas. And where are the workers who are needed to staff such enterprises going to come from?

[kcrazorbackfan]

Really am stoked about the total of 63 new championship holes that will be down there!!

[gatorbill1]

Approximate timeline would have been good. Maybe I'll be here to see TV connect to Orlando and Tampa.

[Stu from NYC]

They are running an incredible operation

[DeanFL]

.
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we moved to TV in 2014, building our home in Gilchrist. The day in late 2013 when we chose our lot, our TV sales rep called us to say that night - they had an all-hands sales meeting. From that point all homes built would be Spec-only homes. We were the last ones to be able to design & mod our house (at that time) - "BUILD-OUT" was not official, but out there. Any thought of South of Rt 44 building was not publicized at all.

We all know what happened after. Personally we are pleased with the continual expansion of The Villages. As long as there is a Market, more the merrier.

Coming back from Orlando this week, the TV building around the south Turnpike is amazing, and the bridge close to installation across the 'pike.

Good for "the Developers". They are critized by some residents, but as for us - continue to provide a bit of Paradise for anyone who desires a place here.
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[Jayhawk]

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we moved to TV in 2014, building our home in Gilchrist. The day in late 2013 when we chose our lot, our TV sales rep called us to say that night - they had an all-hands sales meeting. From that point all homes built would be Spec-only homes. We were the last ones to be able to design & mod our house (at that time) - "BUILD-OUT" was not official, but out there. Any thought of South of Rt 44 building was not publicized at all.

We all know what happened after. Personally we are pleased with the continual expansion of The Villages. As long as there is a Market, more the merrier.

Coming back from Orlando this week, the TV building around the south Turnpike is amazing, and the bridge close to installation across the 'pike.

Good for "the Developers". They are critized by some residents, but as for us - continue to provide a bit of Paradise for anyone who desires a place here.
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Perfect. I like your style.

:coolsmiley:

[villages07]

Interesting plans for the future...the only constant is change. It will be exciting to see it unfold. Been here since 2006, so, have seen a lot of change....mostly for the good.

The Charter High School plan wasn't totally clear....will this be a second campus or will the new campus be in lieu of the one of 466? I wonder how they will decide which students attend which campus.

As far as 5 new championship golf courses....I interpreted this to mean 5 new 9's...18 holes at one course location and 27 at another. I don't think it will be 5 new locations. Semantics.

Hang on and enjoy the ride!!!

[Goldwingnut]

Interesting plans for the future...the only constant is change. It will be exciting to see it unfold. Been here since 2006, so, have seen a lot of change....mostly for the good.

The Charter High School plan wasn't totally clear....will this be a second campus or will the new campus be in lieu of the one of 466? I wonder how they will decide which students attend which campus.

As far as 5 new championship golf courses....I interpreted this to mean 5 new 9's...18 holes at one course location and 27 at another. I don't think it will be 5 new locations. Semantics.

Hang on and enjoy the ride!!!

I agree with the 5 9's, that's the way I saw it too in the newspaper.

The schools may be driven by where people work, right now if you work at the Fenney restaurant or some other place "down south", it's a 45 min drive each way to drop the kids off at school, twice a day. Not very tenable for most.

This is just the tip of the iceberg; don't forget they have 3-4 times as much land under contract south of CR470 than what is shown for planned development north of 470/south of the turnpike.

[Lottoguy]

Their not sitting empty. They just built more because of the need for more space.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

5 new homes in villages in 20 years starting in Springdale and now in Fenney , the family has never disappointed me at any of my stops , each place was great for different reasons . At 81 I’m excited for all the new additions, but not surprised, the family is always about moving forward , and at 81 I’m ready to move with them . I do wish they would add an Armani or Hugo Boss store so I wouldn’t have to drive to Orlando lol

[vintageogauge]

Exciting times down here, slowly but surely promises are being kept and so much more. Once this virus is taken care of I think we will see more retail and restaurants in Paddock Square as well as south of 44.

[DeanFL]

.
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when we moved to TV in 2014, we considered ourselves 'frogs' - will croak here. At 72 now, apparently the Morse family will continue building new 'lillypads' for tadpoles well after our final.....

[Bogie Shooter]

With many of the original Brownwood commercial and retail buildings still sitting empty, as well as the newly built empty commercial buildings, I wonder just how and who the developers are going to get to occupy the newly planned commerce areas. And where are the workers who are needed to staff such enterprises going to come from?

Have you looked around TV? Apartment complex's are being built right now. Do you think those investors have not determined the need for the influx of new workers? Until Florida's unemployment rate is at zero the new workers will come....

[Bogie Shooter]

Their not sitting empty. They just built more because of the need for more space.

:what:

[Two Bills]

All things come to those who wait!!

[Stu from NYC]

Have you looked around TV? Apartment complex's are being built right now. Do you think those investors have not determined the need for the influx of new workers? Until Florida's unemployment rate is at zero the new workers will come....

These people would not be building new retail and commercial space if they were not reasonably sure they cold find people to rent them.

[Aloha1]

All I can say is WOW!! More justification for our moving to TV in 2016. Can't wait for all this new stuff to get under construction.

[tophcfa]

Interesting plans for the future...the only constant is change. It will be exciting to see it unfold. Been here since 2006, so, have seen a lot of change....mostly for the good.

The Charter High School plan wasn't totally clear....will this be a second campus or will the new campus be in lieu of the one of 466? I wonder how they will decide which students attend which campus.

As far as 5 new championship golf courses....I interpreted this to mean 5 new 9's...18 holes at one course location and 27 at another. I don't think it will be 5 new locations. Semantics.

Hang on and enjoy the ride!!!

I think you are on to something, although that is pretty lame logic. Using that logic there are 34 championship golf courses north of 44 ((10 x 3)+(2 X 2)). By my logic, there are 12.

[Stu from NYC]

All I can say is WOW!! More justification for our moving to TV in 2016. Can't wait for all this new stuff to get under construction.

I wold say cant wait for it to open

[Goldwingnut]

I think you are on to something, although that is pretty lame logic. Using that logic there are 34 championship golf courses north of 44 ((10 x 3)+(2 X 2)). By my logic, there are 12.

I agree with your math and I admit it seem lame but seems the only explanation. They show an 18 and a 27 on the map. If that were only 2 of the 5 then that means only 3 south of CR470 which is an area 3-4 times the size of the area shown in the paper to be developed in the near future. That would make for some slim pickings. If they call a 9 a championship course then 5 sounds a lot better than 2 for advertising.

[JoMar]

With many of the original Brownwood commercial and retail buildings still sitting empty, as well as the newly built empty commercial buildings, I wonder just how and who the developers are going to get to occupy the newly planned commerce areas. And where are the workers who are needed to staff such enterprises going to come from?

I think you will see that the strategy is changing from a retirement community and service jobs to an industrial, medical, educational, family accessible community. That will allow recruitment for career focused young'uns from across the Country. I suspect The Villages will be attending college career days and recruiting. It's an exciting time and a great vision. This will not be your daddy's Villages :)

[Kenswing]

Don't know if this was posted..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqoFU6psa_s

[capecoralbill]

If the D would just repair the Sinkholes and Dry Lakes in the Villages, I would be happy. The developer has abandoned the Northern areas of the Villages. Specificaly the condemned sinkhole homes in District 4, and the DRY LAKES in Districts 2 and 4.

I suppose there is no guarantee against SINKHOLES OR DRY LAKES in the newer Villages either! Google the following for examples:
"sinkhole at 733 Winifred Way" and "sinkhole at 17092 McLawren Terrace"�and "sinkhole at 2536 Botello Ave", there are more, but you get the idea, watch out for those waterfront views.

[Number 10 GI]

If the D would just repair the Sinkholes and Dry Lakes in the Villages, I would be happy. The developer has abandoned the Northern areas of the Villages. Specificaly the condemned sinkhole homes in District 4, and the DRY LAKES in Districts 2 and 4.

I suppose there is no guarantee against SINKHOLES OR DRY LAKES in the newer Villages either! Google the following for examples:
"sinkhole at 733 Winifred Way" and "sinkhole at 17092 McLawren Terrace"�and "sinkhole at 2536 Botello Ave", there are more, but you get the idea, watch out for those waterfront views.

We used to live in middle Tennessee and sink holes are a big problem there. Contractors drill into the ground in new subdivisions trying to identify where sink holes might appear but the success hasn't all that good. Sink holes happen all the time, it's a nature thing just like hurricanes and tornados. We had lived in our home for over 25 years and then one night a sink hole opened up about 20 feet from our property line in our back yard. It was up to the land owner to fill in the sink hole as it is their property, I would imagine it is the same here.

[Timothyimitchell]

This gets me pumped even more to buy new and in the Southern part of the villages. I. Am. Pumped.

[Northwoods]

In the posted video above, The Developer talks about an area close to, but not part of The Villages, that is designated for "family" housing. I believe this is for people who work in The Villages. This section doesn't have golf cart access, but it will be close to the Charter School.
I give The Developer so much credit to put in infrastructure (school and housing) to attract a workforce.

[JoMar]

If the D would just repair the Sinkholes and Dry Lakes in the Villages, I would be happy. The developer has abandoned the Northern areas of the Villages. Specificaly the condemned sinkhole homes in District 4, and the DRY LAKES in Districts 2 and 4.

I suppose there is no guarantee against SINKHOLES OR DRY LAKES in the newer Villages either! Google the following for examples:
"sinkhole at 733 Winifred Way" and "sinkhole at 17092 McLawren Terrace"�and "sinkhole at 2536 Botello Ave", there are more, but you get the idea, watch out for those waterfront views.

Isn't sinkhole repair the responsibility of the Districts? Aren't the dry lakes the work of nature and didn't those that bought houses with that view acknowledge that there was the possibility that view wouldn't always be there? Is there a requirement that if you live north of 466 your posts must include some inane reference to northern abandonment?

[Rwirish]

If true, the 5 9’s is very disappointing. Also, no mention of Executive Courses.

[Goldwingnut]

If true, the 5 9’s is very disappointing. Also, no mention of Executive Courses.

There may be more to come, they've always held their cards very close and not show too much in advance.

It's just speculation on my part but they may be getting ready to start on the next big phase of work, south of Monarch Grove and the realignment of CR470 and saw this as a way to whet our appetites and quell some rumors. There's a lot shown and said in their video and the newspaper insert and subtle hints of other things to come if you look closely.

Only time will tell for sure.

[Ashley from UK]

I am so excited about the new areas being added. I think the family have listened to and are adapting to not only the older FROGS but to the new wavers that will be coming in the future. I have read here a decline in golf - but we have seen a massive increase in running, cycling and even triathlons - It is with very much interest that i see the new running tracks and athletic stadium being built capable of hosting the World Senior Games. A 1+Km lake for sports events, this is truly inspiring. I looked with much interest at the plans for a world leading hospital facility and wondered.... WHat if the Morse family were to add some villages specifically designed to cater for disabled people - and here I am thinking our vets (OK your I'm British), A community dedicated to younger people who can live work and have access to facilities becoming of the young who have fought and lost limbs to keep our combined nations (because Brits and Americans are after all) brothers\sisters). With world class sporting and hospital facilities, plus the huge number of abled Vets living in TV, this would be a great place for these brave, corragous, but unfortunate few.
I would love the Morses to reach out to (ex-Prince) Harry and the Invictus Games, wouldn't that be a major coup for the Morse Family if they could team up with Harry and Megan and create the worlds first dedicated village \ community to say thank you and to give hope for the few that the many of us owe so much to?

I was also interested by an area in the Family Support District. Its around 2.5km long, narrow, dead straight, and at the right end has a wider area, shaded in purple (marked as utilities)....Could that be a runway and Villages private (international) airport?

[harold63G]

Anything about Hacienda?

[askcarl]

Tried my best to figure out where the Prison complex is in reality to the "Insert" map. I wouldn't put a prison on my sales information but, more than a bit of Liberty was taken in the flow of CR 470. Where is Warm Springs Ave?

I think the FCC is just South of the East end of the Medical complex. Would make sense. Commerical/Industrial wouldn't complain as much. Can't prove it using the released information.

K-8 school opening 2023. Should mean Family housing complete prior.

Time will tell.

[jedalton]

Today's Daily Sun gave us a peak into the grand plan of what is ahead for The Villages. Interesting and exciting to say the least.

For those who don't get the paper, here's some of the highlights:
2 Championship golf courses - 18 & 27 holes
The Urban Core - Town square (a little different design than previous) that matches my prediction of location from 16 months ago https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/4th-town-square-location-288630/
The Lifestyle Center - A super regional sports/entertainment/recreation complex
Another pitch and putt
A second school campus for K-12
Family Support District - residential area for families
Wellness Village - A 400 acre medical complex
Several more commercial areas
The realignment of CR470 that takes much of the issues of Colmen prison out of the picture.

It's a peak of the big picture to come in the near future.

Looks like I'll have plenty of things to keep me flying for the next few years.

love your videos

[DecaturFargo]

Are you kidding me?

[fjbruning@hotmail.com]

I'd much rather that current projects get finished first. Put all of that manpower into:

Finishing bridge access and pave the paths WHILE the bridges are going up.

Finish Magnolia Plaza.

Finish the streets that are half done.

Put adult pools into areas that have none.

That's just in our area - I'm sure others could opine on other areas.

[Two Bills]

Are you kidding me?

What about?
If you don't tell us what is your problem, how can anyone answer?:shrug:

[Joeint]

With many of the original Brownwood commercial and retail buildings still sitting empty, as well as the newly built empty commercial buildings, I wonder just how and who the developers are going to get to occupy the newly planned commerce areas. And where are the workers who are needed to staff such enterprises going to come from?

As the area North of 44 continues to wither away the developer may try to sell it off to another community like On Top Of The Wrold. With all the new amenities South I wonder if real estate values will decline North of 44

[Villages Kahuna]

Keep up the great work keeping us all better informed.

[Bilyclub]

As the area North of 44 continues to wither away the developer may try to sell it off to another community like On Top Of The Wrold. With all the new amenities South I wonder if real estate values will decline North of 44

Yeah, that's why they just finished building a bunch of new commercial space at Brownwood.

[Lottoguy]

These are championship courses (large full size) that area planned. I think one of them will also have a driving range too.

[BAT777]

Are you serious!! It is all about $$$

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Tried my best to figure out where the Prison complex is in reality to the "Insert" map. I wouldn't put a prison on my sales information but, more than a bit of Liberty was taken in the flow of CR 470. Where is Warm Springs Ave?

I think the FCC is just South of the East end of the Medical complex. Would make sense. Commerical/Industrial wouldn't complain as much. Can't prove it using the released information.

K-8 school opening 2023. Should mean Family housing complete prior.

Time will tell. they don’t have dogs, play loud music or ride motorcycles, there is also another family unit tucked into villages and the sky didn’t fall

[tophcfa]

they don’t have dogs, play loud music or ride motorcycles, there is also another family unit tucked into villages and the sky didn’t fall

??? I think I am a pretty good neighbor to have even though I have a dog and like to ride a motorcycle?

[Jim1mack]

It will be 10 years before any of these things are complete. They’re just in the “vision” phase. It’s taking two years to build a Publix. The Publix in Trailwinds will be open at the end of this month and they started in November. Golf courses take 2-3 years to build. It’s all a good idea but it’s years down the line.

[Jim1mack]

I believe Brownwood was completed in 2014 and it’s still has empty store fronts despite the growth that occurred after its completion.

[canyonblue]

Tried my best to figure out where the Prison complex is in reality to the "Insert" map.

FCC Coleman is due west of the proposed Championship Golf Courses. That makes sense to me because the lights at Coleman at night would really be a detriment to any residential area that close. I think definitely they nailed it by creating this complex in that area instead.

[Altavia]

It will be 10 years before any of these things are complete. They’re just in the “vision” phase. It’s taking two years to build a Publix. The Publix in Trailwinds will be open at the end of this month and they started in November. Golf courses take 2-3 years to build. It’s all a good idea but it’s years down the line.

Probably so. The Publix was delayed for business reasons other than construction and is moving at warp speed now as is everything north of the turnpike.

The vision will help sales/resales volume and pricing long before. Especially once they start kicking up dirt for the first new Village in the plan and start the Southern Oaks bridge.

[Goldwingnut]

Tried my best to figure out where the Prison complex is in reality to the "Insert" map. I wouldn't put a prison on my sales information but, more than a bit of Liberty was taken in the flow of CR 470. Where is Warm Springs Ave?

I think the FCC is just South of the East end of the Medical complex. Would make sense. Commerical/Industrial wouldn't complain as much. Can't prove it using the released information.

K-8 school opening 2023. Should mean Family housing complete prior.

Time will tell.

The prison is located below and to the left of the "2 The Lifestyle Center" on the center page of the newspaper insert. It will north of the Family Support District and medical/health facilities on the north side of this area.

CR470 is being realigned and completely redone as a part of the new road agreement with the county that was pass by the county commission last month.

Warm Springs runs from Hammock at Fenney on the left to the "C" just above Chitty Chatty on the top right of the center page.

It's hard to say when the new schools will open, 2023 may be close due to the limit space in the current schools. For now, there are two very active stockpile yards in that area as well as the building of the construction office.

While we may not know the plans for these areas anytime soon, it is certain based on a long history, the developer has a very well thought out plan and knows exactly what they are doing.

[Goldwingnut]

I believe Brownwood was completed in 2014 and it’s still has empty store fronts despite the growth that occurred after its completion.

Brownwood has empty storefronts not because of any failure or poor planning, it is because the residential areas support these vacancies and several more buildings to come are only just now coming into construction. Once the Villages of Richmond and St. Johns are built as well as connectivity established across the Water Lily bridge the Brownwood area will grow and expand. It was always planned this way.

[Baywayric]

Well played by the Morse Family!

Can COSTCO not be that far behind?

[Bogie Shooter]

It will be 10 years before any of these things are complete. They’re just in the “vision” phase. It’s taking two years to build a Publix. The Publix in Trailwinds will be open at the end of this month and they started in November. Golf courses take 2-3 years to build. It’s all a good idea but it’s years down the line.

I thought the school will open in2023, I may be wrong.

[Kilmacowen]

It will be 10 years before any of these things are complete. They’re just in the “vision” phase. It’s taking two years to build a Publix. The Publix in Trailwinds will be open at the end of this month and they started in November. Golf courses take 2-3 years to build. It’s all a good idea but it’s years down the line.

The Villages have NOTHING to do with the Publix, or anything in Trailwinds.

[Rosebud1949]

Very sad that more and more of Florida's "wild and open spaces" is given to building. Hence wild life killing.. OMG a gator in my yard.... kill it. Snakes... kill it...... Less and lees bird life. It has to end. If it continues the airport van to Orlando will no longer be needed.. you can take your golf cart

[vintageogauge]

The Villages have NOTHING to do with the Publix, or anything in Trailwinds.

Correct and it won't take 10 years to build some of the proposed amenities. Penney started selling 3 years and 4 months ago and look what is already down here, the Everglades complex with softball fields, RC boats and cars, 5 executive courses, pitch & putt, putt & play, several recreation areas, several family pools, several neighborhood adult pools, The Bar & Grille, Edna's, Villages Grown, the 3 bridge to be in place at the end of this month, 9 or 10 villages, improved roads, tunnels, 24 hour emergency room, 2 dog parks, miles of nature trails, air rifle ranges, croquet, lawn bowling, beach volleyball, and all the usual sports activities. Some only took a year to build others 2 to 3 years. They are not going to stop working, we just don't know what will be first, most likely the first golf course as it is already under construction.

[dewilson58]

Very sad that more and more of Florida's "wild and open spaces" is given to building. Hence wild life killing.. OMG a gator in my yard.... kill it. Snakes... kill it...... Less and lees bird life. It has to end. If it continues the airport van to Orlando will no longer be needed.. you can take your golf cart


A case of "I've got mine, so no more."

[Indydealmaker]

With many of the original Brownwood commercial and retail buildings still sitting empty, as well as the newly built empty commercial buildings, I wonder just how and who the developers are going to get to occupy the newly planned commerce areas. And where are the workers who are needed to staff such enterprises going to come from?
Build it and they shall come!

[Kilmacowen]

Very sad that more and more of Florida's "wild and open spaces" is given to building. Hence wild life killing.. OMG a gator in my yard.... kill it. Snakes... kill it...... Less and lees bird life. It has to end. If it continues the airport van to Orlando will no longer be needed.. you can take your golf cart

TV has acres and acres of open spaces, preserves,nature walking/ biking trails and conservation land. Unlike other developers who stripped everything. Example Beaumont. Not sad at all, they have done a superb job. Thank you Morse family!!!

[Number 10 GI]

Very sad that more and more of Florida's "wild and open spaces" is given to building. Hence wild life killing.. OMG a gator in my yard.... kill it. Snakes... kill it...... Less and lees bird life. It has to end. If it continues the airport van to Orlando will no longer be needed.. you can take your golf cart

What "wild and open spaces" are you referring to? Most of TV has been built on former watermelon fields and cow pastures. Nearly everything south of 44 is or was cow pasture. Have you been down here to look around? There is a lot of area that has been left for wildlife preserves. Where are new people who want to live in TV supposed to build their home? Your home was built on "wild and open" space was it not?

[Marathon Man]

If the D would just repair the Sinkholes and Dry Lakes in the Villages, I would be happy. The developer has abandoned the Northern areas of the Villages. Specificaly the condemned sinkhole homes in District 4, and the DRY LAKES in Districts 2 and 4.

I suppose there is no guarantee against SINKHOLES OR DRY LAKES in the newer Villages either! Google the following for examples:
"sinkhole at 733 Winifred Way" and "sinkhole at 17092 McLawren Terrace"�and "sinkhole at 2536 Botello Ave", there are more, but you get the idea, watch out for those waterfront views.

This thread is about the new and exciting additions to our community. Too bad someone had to jump in there with an off-topic downer comment.

The developer does not own the land where the sinkholes and dry lakes have appeared. That is why they are not going to fix them.

[Indydealmaker]

As the area North of 44 continues to wither away the developer may try to sell it off to another community like On Top Of The Wrold. With all the new amenities South I wonder if real estate values will decline North of 44

At your age, why worry about property values? At any rate any disparity in rates between north and south is mostly due to age of properties.

[Indydealmaker]

Very sad that more and more of Florida's "wild and open spaces" is given to building. Hence wild life killing.. OMG a gator in my yard.... kill it. Snakes... kill it...... Less and lees bird life. It has to end. If it continues the airport van to Orlando will no longer be needed.. you can take your golf cart

Would you prefer no growth which would result in higher taxes to maintain infrastructure and services?

At any rate, how much preserved land is enough? Currently, in the U.S. there is approximately an acre of preserved land for every man, woman and child (over 320,000,000 acres). This does not take into consideration nearly a billion acres of farmland which also contributes to the quality of life of animals as well as humans.

[Stu from NYC]

The developer has built a better mousetrap as we say and as a result more and more people want to come here.

Only here about 6 months and understand why so many live here and want to come in future.

[vintageogauge]

They are also very generous with the number of manmade ponds down here which really help the bird and reptile population, they haven't suffered from all the building going on, it's great to wake up to all of this nature.

[Stu from NYC]

They are also very generous with the number of manmade ponds down here which really help the bird and reptile population, they haven't suffered from all the building going on, it's great to wake up to all of this nature.

We are newbies and love taking a walk and see wildlife.

People have said that with all of the building here wildlife is a shell of its former self.

Wonder if that is really true?

[vintageogauge]

We are newbies and love taking a walk and see wildlife.

People have said that with all of the building here wildlife is a shell of its former self.

Wonder if that is really true?

There is so much land here that is and will be untouched that the habitat will have no problem thriving. In addition TV has added so much more water for irrigation and flood control that there are even more areas for the creatures that live in and around water.

[transplanted]

I am so excited about the new areas being added. I think the family have listened to and are adapting to not only the older FROGS but to the new wavers that will be coming in the future. I have read here a decline in golf - but we have seen a massive increase in running, cycling and even triathlons - It is with very much interest that i see the new running tracks and athletic stadium being built capable of hosting the World Senior Games. A 1+Km lake for sports events, this is truly inspiring. I looked with much interest at the plans for a world leading hospital facility and wondered.... WHat if the Morse family were to add some villages specifically designed to cater for disabled people - and here I am thinking our vets (OK your I'm British), A community dedicated to younger people who can live work and have access to facilities becoming of the young who have fought and lost limbs to keep our combined nations (because Brits and Americans are after all) brothers\sisters). With world class sporting and hospital facilities, plus the huge number of abled Vets living in TV, this would be a great place for these brave, corragous, but unfortunate few.
I would love the Morses to reach out to (ex-Prince) Harry and the Invictus Games, wouldn't that be a major coup for the Morse Family if they could team up with Harry and Megan and create the worlds first dedicated village \ community to say thank you and to give hope for the few that the many of us owe so much to?

I was also interested by an area in the Family Support District. Its around 2.5km long, narrow, dead straight, and at the right end has a wider area, shaded in purple (marked as utilities)....Could that be a runway and Villages private (international) airport?

Please don't get Harry and Meghan involved in The Villages - in any way. Please! I'm praying that when their one year review comes up, they will figure out what failures they've been since they left England and go back. I'm a 30 year military retiree (US) and Harry may have done well with the military before 2018, but please don't foist them and their agenda/failed foundation of the week (Invictus not a failure) on us.

[NatureBoy]

Imagine having enough money and land to play SimCity in real life. That’s where the Morse family is. It is exciting to me that the Morses are thinking beyond a retirement community and looking at how to make a great place out of all the land they’ve acquired. But it is a big risk if they get the balance wrong.

I wonder how much the prison & concrete plant will impact value and people’s desire to move in.

I can understand the locals being angered that all these old people are invading and destroying their rural lifestyle.

We are 2-3 years from moving to TV and this reveal gives us a lot of info on where we might like to move. We were concerned about a new town square and this “urban core” and other facilities put those fears to rest.

Trying to create a world-class medical research park is very ambitious but seems smart. I hope they can attract the talent to “the middle of nowhere” FL. Fancy doctors and other professionals like things like beaches, professional sports teams, orchestras & theaters, marinas, and such. Maybe the new golf courses will be open to employees and high-end enough to attract talent.

That other paper had a big editorial with comments about how this reveal was timed to influence the local elections. Seems overly cynical to me.

[JoMar]

Imagine having enough money and land to play SimCity in real life. That’s where the Morse family is. It is exciting to me that the Morses are thinking beyond a retirement community and looking at how to make a great place out of all the land they’ve acquired. But it is a big risk if they get the balance wrong.

I wonder how much the prison & concrete plant will impact value and people’s desire to move in.

I can understand the locals being angered that all these old people are invading and destroying their rural lifestyle.

We are 2-3 years from moving to TV and this reveal gives us a lot of info on where we might like to move. We were concerned about a new town square and this “urban core” and other facilities put those fears to rest.

Trying to create a world-class medical research park is very ambitious but seems smart. I hope they can attract the talent to “the middle of nowhere” FL. Fancy doctors and other professionals like things like beaches, professional sports teams, orchestras & theaters, marinas, and such. Maybe the new golf courses will be open to employees and high-end enough to attract talent.

That other paper had a big editorial with comments about how this reveal was timed to influence the local elections. Seems overly cynical to me.

Keep in mind that the other paper is anti-Villages and will always take the other side, right or wrong. I agree, political is a stretch but not unexpected.

[John41]

LOL it sure is a dream. What did P T Barnum say?

[John41]

We are newbies and love taking a walk and see wildlife.

People have said that with all of the building here wildlife is a shell of its former self.

Wonder if that is really true?
Do you remember the buffalo that were protected by Harold Schwartz? They roamed around Sumter Landing where all the houses are now. Conveniently the developer said somebody tried to sue him so he moved them never to be seen again.

[kcrazorbackfan]

If true, the 5 9’s is very disappointing. Also, no mention of Executive Courses.

At first, people are whining about no championship courses, now it’s about the 5 9’s.

Just WTH is disappointing about the 5 9’s?

[jet10s]

Read the article....very obvious that 'The Family' really has been and continues to think about what they can do for everyone else...it's not about them lining their pockets with money, as some of the 'glass-half-empty' nay-sayers comment from time to time.

They're living their dream and it's like an incoming tide...all boats are lifted...everyone is benefiting as a result of their vision and commitment.
really -- just good pr -- will believe it when I see it

[Topspinmo]

Continuing The Dream

Can be read here:

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/)

55 plus retirement community :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Two Bills]

Please don't get Harry and Meghan involved in The Villages - in any way. Please! I'm praying that when their one year review comes up, they will figure out what failures they've been since they left England and go back. I'm a 30 year military retiree (US) and Harry may have done well with the military before 2018, but please don't foist them and their agenda/failed foundation of the week (Invictus not a failure) on us.
Please feel free to keep them in US.
The majority here in UK are glad to see the back of the whiners!

[Stu from NYC]

Do you remember the buffalo that were protected by Harold Schwartz? They roamed around Sumter Landing where all the houses are now. Conveniently the developer said somebody tried to sue him so he moved them never to be seen again.

Before our time but can see why it could lead to trouble.

[Stu from NYC]

Please feel free to keep them in US.
The majority here in UK are glad to see the back of the whiners!

Hmm they are part of your royal family, seem to recall we fought a war or two over them back in the day.:)

[golfing eagles]

With many of the original Brownwood commercial and retail buildings still sitting empty, as well as the newly built empty commercial buildings, I wonder just how and who the developers are going to get to occupy the newly planned commerce areas. And where are the workers who are needed to staff such enterprises going to come from?

"Build it, and they will come" (1989, Field of Dreams, paraphrased)

[golfing eagles]

Interesting plans for the future...the only constant is change. It will be exciting to see it unfold. Been here since 2006, so, have seen a lot of change....mostly for the good.

The Charter High School plan wasn't totally clear....will this be a second campus or will the new campus be in lieu of the one of 466? I wonder how they will decide which students attend which campus.

As far as 5 new championship golf courses....I interpreted this to mean 5 new 9's...18 holes at one course location and 27 at another. I don't think it will be 5 new locations. Semantics.

Hang on and enjoy the ride!!!

I think this is still unclear. The paper described 2 courses, 18 + 27 holes. However, they have never described the current 12 champ courses as 34 courses. Stay tuned

[Altavia]

I think this is still unclear. The paper described 2 courses, 18 + 27 holes. However, they have never described the current 12 champ courses as 34 courses. Stay tuned

Since so close together, maybe shared Country Club?

[Jayhawk]

55 plus retirement community :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Are you saying they should fight Federal Law?