Will there be "Squares" in the area of homes in the South? The 3 Squares are packed

[kitbry3]

A question- Do we know if Squares will be built in the new sections south, as they have been built in the Original Villages? I have heard that there are not plans to build more Squares. (I am tempted not to believe that, as the Developer has been awesome in duplicating needed attractions.) It would be a huge worry to me if they are not. Brownwood is packed!!!!!!!!!! If anyone has an answer, please respond. Sincere thanks. Isn't The Villages a great place to live!

[Lottoguy]

Yes, The Villages already announced a fourth square is in the first stage. My guess it is probably about three years away from opening.

[Topspinmo]

For me squares got old after first month here.

[Taurus510]

A question- Do we know if Squares will be built in the new sections south, as they have been built in the Original Villages? I have heard that there are not plans to build more Squares. (I am tempted not to believe that, as the Developer has been awesome in duplicating needed attractions.) It would be a huge worry to me if they are not. Brownwood is packed!!!!!!!!!! If anyone has an answer, please respond. Sincere thanks. Isn't The Villages a great place to live!
Isn’t Sawgrass a square? Not open yet I know, but it’s being built.

[Garywt]

Sawgrass is a combined rec center and music stage with a few restaurants I believe. Then there is a traditional type square going in. I have never felt the squares to be over crowded but we stay on the outside. Don’t need to see the band, just need to hear them. We love all 3 squares, so much fun to listen, eat and walk around.

[vintageogauge]

If you think they're packed now wait until all of the family housing is built just outside of all of the various villages and squares. It's great for the businesses and we need younger people to fill all of the jobs coming in but traffic and crowds doesn't seem to be something that the developers and local governments put a lot of thought into.

[SIRE1]

I saw a Vmail from The Villages, or it was in the paper, (can't remember which) that described the new town center which will be named Eastport. I think it was to be near CR470 and included a town, a lake, recreation, and entertainment. It even had the map of the layout and a description of all the things that were going to be there. The lake was even going to big enough to have dragon boat races. You must have missed that announcement. So, just like stores and restaurants, just wait a little while longer. You will have Sawgrass and Eastport to go to.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Yes, Eastport is slated to be built and is currently in the design stages. It is mentioned that will last until approximately August 2022. (a year and the video in which it was stated was youtube'd in Aug 2021. It will have 1000 yd long lake (no, it doesn't look a single bit phallic. Nope, not at all! Any similarities to upside down male genitalia is entirely in your own dirty, depraved imagination. My wife is calling it "D*ck Lake"). It will combine a town-square like atmosphere with dining and commercial ventures with golf academy/golfing and a recreation center. Eastport does not appear (at least from my amateur eye) to have a live music venue - so not one of the defining features we all know are inherent to the "Town Squares," however they will have that at Sawgrass Grove. Unknown if that is 365 days/year or not. Also, the maps do not refer to Eastport as a "Town Square" per se, but a "Lifestyle Center." I suppose that is still to be fully defined. Gary Mark, one of the lead designers, describes it as "a more intimate town square."

Interestingly, if you pay close attention to the video, he describes Eastport as being located in "the center of The Villages." I wonder if that is a slip to indicate that he is aware of the extent of future development in the next couple decades.

For a very good detailed look at BOTH Eastport and Sawgrass Grove, I recommend the video that is 11:17 long at the link below.

It is discussed by The Developer here:

Continuing The Dream: Volume 10 (https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream_Vol10/index.php#/p/1)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4DujjpVQgY

There is a map inside the linked pages that indicates exactly where it is going. Look for the blue lake labeled, "Eastport."

Also, here is more information on Sawgrass Grove. Kinda like a half-square with a golf course and rec center attached. Instead of restaurants (Except McGrady's Pub), it will have one of those hipster-style big food halls and inside the halls will be several food vendors.

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/whatsnew/continuing-the-dream/new-amenities-and-features-at-sawgrass-grove-are-getting-ready-to-open)

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/whatsnew/continuing-the-dream/checking-in-on-sawgrass-grove)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WcZnYrCMng&t=3s

[vintageogauge]

I saw a Vmail from The Villages, or it was in the paper, (can't remember which) that described the new town center which will be named Eastport. I think it was to be near CR470 and included a town, a lake, recreation, and entertainment. It even had the map of the layout and a description of all the things that were going to be there. The lake was even going to big enough to have dragon boat races. You must have missed that announcement. So, just like stores and restaurants, just wait a little while longer. You will have Sawgrass and Eastport to go to.

Stores are finally coming down south. There are retail signs up looking for tenants for a commercial development that has 1800 ft. of frontage on 301 just south of the turnpike ramps on the west side of of the road. I don't know how many acres or how deep the parcels are but 1800 ft. of frontage is a good start.

[BigSteph]

That is interesting to hear.

For us, the square(s) were the thing that sealed our desire to be here.

We've been here 8 months and maybe been to the squares 8 times.

It was cool the first few times, but holds little for us now. We don't drink often and never drink and operate a vehicle. Some of the restaurants are good, no doubt. Some musical groups have been good. But, it is not our thing -- it wasn't back home either, yet it is nice to have the option.



For me squares got old after first month here.

[Papa_lecki]

Sawgrass’s entertainment area (stage with dancing) is generally the same size as Brownwood/LSL.
Sawgrass does not have as much commercial real estate.
There is a stand alone restaurant (McGrady’s) and a series of restaurants in a single building.
Sawgrass should open in the next few months. They are getting close. I heard a rumor they might open McGrady’s before the whole area is ready.
I think Sawgrass has a single, larger bar vs 2/3 bars, like BW and LSL.

ALSO - they are putting restaurants in at different places - i.e. the Okahumka rec center will have a stand alone restaurant.

[ElDiabloJoe]

...
ALSO - they are putting restaurants in at different places - i.e. the Okahumka rec center will have a stand alone restaurant.
Ahh, similar to the Grill @ Fenney? That is, at least, supplemented by Edna's On The Green also.

[Mrprez]

I wasn’t aware there was a square in Orange Blossom!

[Garywt]

I wasn’t aware there was a square in Orange Blossom!

??? Not sure where you got that info but there is not a square there. Just Spanish Springs, Sumter Landing and Brownwood.

[SIRE1]

I took a drive down to Sawgrass this weekend and noticed that there isn't a lot of room for parking. I wonder what will happen if there is an event at the rec center, good entertainment, and a lot of people what to go to the market & restaurant/bar. I anticipate a lot of complaints on this forum in a year or two.

[skippy05]

The Squares won't matter much to you later when you remove the rose glasses, as always occurs.

[DaleDivine]

I took a drive down to Sawgrass this weekend and noticed that there isn't a lot of room for parking. I wonder what will happen if there is an event at the rec center, good entertainment, and a lot of people what to go to the market & restaurant/bar. I anticipate a lot of complaints on this forum in a year or two.

There will always be complainers. It won't take a year.
:shocked::1rotfl:

[rrtjp]

Wife and I are eagerly waiting for Sawgrass to open. We are exactly point six miles away from Sawgrass, an easy walk or bike ride there for us. We moved to Citrus Grove about six months ago and love it here. I got to pinch myself every morning to prove I’m not dreaming.

[msilagy]

The first smaller square was in the historic section that has since been torn down a couple of years ago. It was across from the post office and just down from the Shell station on 441 and Griffin. The only business open recently was a Mexican restaurant and I believe a cremation business. It had several empty store fronts. This was not large but used a lot when the villages was first built with manufactured homes. Interesting to walk thru and picture what it was like way back in the 80's. The center was a large water fountain.

[Ptmckiou]

I took a drive down to Sawgrass this weekend and noticed that there isn't a lot of room for parking. I wonder what will happen if there is an event at the rec center, good entertainment, and a lot of people what to go to the market & restaurant/bar. I anticipate a lot of complaints on this forum in a year or two.

Ezell Rec Ctr staff said once Sawgrass opens, they won’t be allowed to schedule evening events at Ezell because of the parking competition.

The Eastport Town square should be done in 2-3 years. It will have a stage overlooking the lake. There is also an island in the lake accessible by cart that you can park and watch the sunsets or listen to the music from the stage across the water. The lake is 1 mile long, so quite large,

[VApeople]

The Eastport Town square should be done in 2-3 years. It will have a stage overlooking the lake. There is also an island in the lake accessible by cart that you can park and watch the sunsets or listen to the music from the stage across the water.

I wouldn't count on that island being accessible by golf cart.

The map of Eastport does show an island with a path going to it, but that may be a walking/biking path like the path around the lake at Everglades.

[rustyp]

Ezell Rec Ctr staff said once Sawgrass opens, they won’t be allowed to schedule evening events at Ezell because of the parking competition.

The Eastport Town square should be done in 2-3 years. It will have a stage overlooking the lake. There is also an island in the lake accessible by cart that you can park and watch the sunsets or listen to the music from the stage across the water. The lake is 1 mile long, so quite large,

In the interim what would it take to put up some picnic tables and a food truck. Seems to have worked for years before bridges over 44 were opened. We can call them neighborhood squares instead of town squares.

[Uphillputt330]

A question- Do we know if Squares will be built in the new sections south, as they have been built in the Original Villages? I have heard that there are not plans to build more Squares. (I am tempted not to believe that, as the Developer has been awesome in duplicating needed attractions.) It would be a huge worry to me if they are not. Brownwood is packed!!!!!!!!!! If anyone has an answer, please respond. Sincere thanks. Isn't The Villages a great place to live!

New Squares are taking the form of retail businesses in general. With all the online shopping the squares are seeing less general retail. The squares are more restaurants with some speciality retail. If you look hard at the current squares there are empty storefronts where retail businesses once were.

[Mrprez]

??? Not sure where you got that info but there is not a square there. Just Spanish Springs, Sumter Landing and Brownwood.

Isn’t Orange Blossom the “original villages”? That is what I am referring to. Some people think that anyone below 44 should never foot on the properties north of 44.

[flyboyl39]

The Squares won't matter much to you later when you remove the rose glasses, as always occurs.

Lived here 5 yrs, still love the squares, and to think of it pretty much everything else here.

I guess I still must have my glasses on!!!

[Cyndee@twc.com]

A question- Do we know if Squares will be built in the new sections south, as they have been built in the Original Villages? I have heard that there are not plans to build more Squares. (I am tempted not to believe that, as the Developer has been awesome in duplicating needed attractions.) It would be a huge worry to me if they are not. Brownwood is packed!!!!!!!!!! If anyone has an answer, please respond. Sincere thanks. Isn't The Villages a great place to live!

WE were told a bridge would be built from the fenney area and a shopping area built on Warm Springs I have asked but no one gets back tio be

[MrFlorida]

They are always packed in high season, after April things will thin out...also on the weekends there are more outside folks coming for the restaurants and free music.

[rrtjp]

I don’t think it’s the glasses. I think they are putting something in our drinking water. Maybe after we get our water filtration system installed I’ll see things here differently? I doubt it. LOL.

[ElDiabloJoe]

I wouldn't count on that island being accessible by golf cart.

The map of Eastport does show an island with a path going to it, but that may be a walking/biking path like the path around the lake at Everglades.

Tracy Morse specifically stated in the video with her and design head Gary Mark that you would be able to take your golf cart onto Sunset Island. Now of course, it is in design stage, so ANYthing can change.

ALSO - To correct Post #20, above, they did not state it would be a mile long lake, they stated it would be a 1,000 meters long - so 0.621 of a mile, FWIW.

[Villages Kahuna]

… the squares get much more tolerable once our seasonal friends go back home.

[Dgodin]

Yes. But the newest one will be called a "Lifestyle Center".

[VApeople]

WE were told a bridge would be built from the fenney area . . .

From the Fenney area to where?

[rustyp]

??? Not sure where you got that info but there is not a square there. Just Spanish Springs, Sumter Landing and Brownwood.

The original town square was on the historic side across from the post office. It was started by Harold long before Spanish Springs came into existence.

[VApeople]

Tracy Morse specifically stated in the video with her and design head Gary Mark that you would be able to take your golf cart onto Sunset Island.

Wow, I hope she was wrong.

We love going to the Southern Area to take long (by my standard) walks on trails where golf carts are strictly forbidden.

[John-US]

Tracy Morse specifically stated in the video with her and design head Gary Mark that you would be able to take your golf cart onto Sunset Island. Now of course, it is in design stage, so ANYthing can change.

ALSO - To correct Post #20, above, they did not state it would be a mile long lake, they stated it would be a 1,000 meters long - so 0.621 of a mile, FWIW.


And you believed them? Like we believed VW wasn't cheating on emissions? (wakey wakey)

[Bogie Shooter]

And you believed them? Like we believed VW wasn't cheating on emissions? (wakey wakey)

Why not? Something in the planning stage are mostly ideas and many will change.
Many of us experienced this in our former lives………

[Topspinmo]

??? Not sure where you got that info but there is not a square there. Just Spanish Springs, Sumter Landing and Brownwood.


Orange blossom just as close to SS square as anything on the other side of 441

[rustyp]

Orange blossom just as close to SS square as anything on the other side of 441

???

[Papa_lecki]

Here’s the layout of Eastport and the food coming to Sawgrass Grove

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/whatsnew/continuing-the-dream/lifestyle-center-unveiled-and-new-businesses-coming-to-the-market-at-sawgrass)

I think the lake at Eastport will be able to host dragons boat races that are a 10,000 distance - so the lake will probably be longer than 1,000M

What’s interesting is the lake is called “Central Lake” and the road is called “Central Parkway”. Lots of indications that A LOT of expansion will continue east and south.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Here’s the layout of Eastport and the food coming to Sawgrass Grove

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/whatsnew/continuing-the-dream/lifestyle-center-unveiled-and-new-businesses-coming-to-the-market-at-sawgrass)

I think the lake at Eastport will be able to host dragons boat races that are a 10,000 distance - so the lake will probably be longer than 10,000M

What’s interesting is the lake is called “Central Lake” and the road is called “Central Parkway”. Lots of indications that A LOT of expansion will continue east and south.

Thank you, see Post #8.

I did not take the names for the lake and parkway "Central" too literally because they state in that very video you linked that it is name after Central Lake in the family's home area at the top of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

a 10,000 meter lake would actually be almost 6.25 miles long. I would be surprised to see a lake that long, or a dragon boat racing that far. I don't know much about dragon boating, so maybe the races are 6+ miles long.

[Packer Fan]

A question- Do we know if Squares will be built in the new sections south, as they have been built in the Original Villages? I have heard that there are not plans to build more Squares. (I am tempted not to believe that, as the Developer has been awesome in duplicating needed attractions.) It would be a huge worry to me if they are not. Brownwood is packed!!!!!!!!!! If anyone has an answer, please respond. Sincere thanks. Isn't The Villages a great place to live!

When we bought our house new in Hillsborough everyone said we were nuts because there was nothing in Brownwood but city fire and the movie theater. It has come a long way. Good to see it busy. Finally got an actual restaurant in across from Blue Fin even. Love a busy active square.

[Papa_lecki]

Thank you, see Post #8.

I did not take the names for the lake and parkway "Central" too literally because they state in that very video you linked that it is name after Central Lake in the family's home area at the top of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

a 10,000 meter lake would actually be almost 6.25 miles long. I would be surprised to see a lake that long, or a dragon boat racing that far. I don't know much about dragon boating, so maybe the races are 6+ miles long.

I read post 8, thats what made me think of the names - you’re right, it’s probably a 1000M race

[Number 10 GI]

WE were told a bridge would be built from the fenney area and a shopping area built on Warm Springs I have asked but no one gets back tio be

Who told you that story?

[Vermilion Villager]

The Squares won't matter much to you later when you remove the rose glasses, as always occurs.
Wow!!! I bet you're fun at a party!

[MartinSE]

For me squares got old after first month here.

I don't like crowds, so I have to agree with you.

[coffeebean]

Ezell Rec Ctr staff said once Sawgrass opens, they won’t be allowed to schedule evening events at Ezell because of the parking competition.

The Eastport Town square should be done in 2-3 years. It will have a stage overlooking the lake. There is also an island in the lake accessible by cart that you can park and watch the sunsets or listen to the music from the stage across the water. The lake is 1 mile long, so quite large,

Well that parking situation at Ezell Rec Center and Sawgrass sounds like a true misstep from the Morses. They usually do not make mistakes like that.

The Eastport Town square sounds wonderful. So.....there will be nightly music like the current three squares? I read in another thread that there will not be bands at Eastport Town Square. I don't know which information is correct but it surely would be great if there was nightly bands at Eastport. That lake sounds awesome, especially with the island to watch sunsets and listen to music. I'm sure hubby and I will venture down there a time or two to check it out when it is all built.

[coffeebean]

The original town square was on the historic side across from the post office. It was started by Harold long before Spanish Springs came into existence.

Just for history purposes......did this original square offer nightly bands music and dancing? To me, that is what is most important at our town squares. Restaurants and retail are important also but do not define what a town square is to me.

[Rainger99]

I took a drive down to Sawgrass this weekend and noticed that there isn't a lot of room for parking. I wonder what will happen if there is an event at the rec center, good entertainment, and a lot of people what to go to the market & restaurant/bar. I anticipate a lot of complaints on this forum in a year or two.
Excellent point. There is an entertainment square with a pub and a food hall, a championship golf course, a putting course, pickle ball courts, tennis courts, and a recreational center - with just a little more parking than most rec centers. Hopefully people will walk.

[Bogie Shooter]

How is it known parking is a problem?

[VApeople]

Wife and I are eagerly waiting for Sawgrass to open. We are exactly point six miles away from Sawgrass, an easy walk or bike ride there for us. We moved to Citrus Grove about six months ago and love it here.

Yeah, I think walking or biking from Citrus Grove to Sawgrass is much safer than trying to turn left on Meggison Road.

Didn't someone recently get t-boned trying to turn left out of Citrus Grove? Whatever traffic is like now on Meggison, it is going to get a lot heavier after Newell, Lake Denham, and Dabney are built and Meggison connects to Route 470.

[coffeebean]

Here’s the layout of Eastport and the food coming to Sawgrass Grove

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/whatsnew/continuing-the-dream/lifestyle-center-unveiled-and-new-businesses-coming-to-the-market-at-sawgrass)

I think the lake at Eastport will be able to host dragons boat races that are a 10,000 distance - so the lake will probably be longer than 1,000M

What’s interesting is the lake is called “Central Lake” and the road is called “Central Parkway”. Lots of indications that A LOT of expansion will continue east and south.

There are several areas that are not labeled on the map but none of them look like they could be a bandstand and dance floor. I don't see any label of a bandstand and dance floor. This looks like a really nice complex, but not one I consider a "Town Square".

[Rsenholzi]

The fourth square will be going in at the end of 501 on 470 . It will be joined by another Villages High School as well as the family neighborhood which will be for families whose parents work in the villages. Don’t be surprised if it is packed more than the others because it has easy access to the family neighborhoods and also Leesburg and Webster as well as the turnpike. There will be a lot of outsiders probably coming into that square. In addition , I’m sure since they have been putting apartments in the other squares that they will already be in the plans before it is built thus adding more people. The 4th square was part of the agreement with the town in exchange for building more homes

[markusmom]

I believe a new town square will be in Middleton where the new schools are being built. It's south of Eastport on the other side of 470. In five years this will be the "hot spot" of the villages with plenty of shopping and restaurants. Looking forward to moving there. We LOVE the nightly entertainment at the town centers. High energy, friendly people and entertaining on many levels

[Altavia]

There are several areas that are not labeled on the map but none of them look like they could be a bandstand and dance floor. I don't see any label of a bandstand and dance floor. This looks like a really nice complex, but not one I consider a "Town Square".

Concept for a stage along the lake was mentioned.

[rustyp]

Just for history purposes......did this original square offer nightly bands music and dancing? To me, that is what is most important at our town squares. Restaurants and retail are important also but do not define what a town square is to me.

Yes

Every Saturday night on the historic side someone would sponsor a party. If no one stepped up on a particular week Harold Schwartz would have the party at his house on the corner of Aloha and Tarrson. After having so many parties at his house Harold decided they need a party area that didn't put the burden on someone each week thus he made a town square across from what is now the post office. Harold loved music and was quite the dancer. I'll speculate the square parties started as a Saturday night affair and perhaps grew.

This story was passed on at a memorial I attended years ago for Harold by one of his neighbors. I believe it was on the 10th anniversary of Harold's passing. I have CRS now. The memorial was held at Schwartz park which is on Kim Ave.

Some other time I'll tell you how the lifestyle visit began.

[Freehiker]

For me squares got old after first month here.


Sucks to be you. I have a great time in the squares and go most nights. We have met lots of new friends and had some great times there.

[Cliff Fr]

I lived in Sumter County when The Villages proposed expanding into our County. There was a debate about whether to allow it or not. People opposed to it said that it would destroy the rural character of Sumter County and that politically The Villages would end up controlling Sumter County. The developer assured us that only a small portion of Sumter County would be developed. And here we are now, lol

[jedalton]

yes it did

[yankygrl]

The fourth square will be going in at the end of 501 on 470 . It will be joined by another Villages High School as well as the family neighborhood which will be for families whose parents work in the villages. Don’t be surprised if it is packed more than the others because it has easy access to the family neighborhoods and also Leesburg and Webster as well as the turnpike. There will be a lot of outsiders probably coming into that square. In addition , I’m sure since they have been putting apartments in the other squares that they will already be in the plans before it is built thus adding more people. The 4th square was part of the agreement with the town in exchange for building more homes
I’ve heard it isn’t really a square as the previous 3, but more an entertainment area...I’m guessing like Edna’s on the green without food trucks.

[Papa_lecki]

I lived in Sumter County when The Villages proposed expanding into our County. There was a debate about whether to allow it or not. People opposed to it said that it would destroy the rural character of Sumter County and that politically The Villages would end up controlling Sumter County. The developer assured us that only a small portion of Sumter County would be developed. And here we are now, lol

Well, you’re welcome for all the jobs and tax revenue.

[Marathon Man]

I’ve heard it isn’t really a square as the previous 3, but more an entertainment area...I’m guessing like Edna’s on the green without food trucks.

The old design formulas are replaced with new. That is what makes the Southern Oaks area so different and, for me, much better than my old neighborhood in the north.

Oh, it will be nothing like Edna's.

[Bogie Shooter]

I lived in Sumter County when The Villages proposed expanding into our County. There was a debate about whether to allow it or not. People opposed to it said that it would destroy the rural character of Sumter County and that politically The Villages would end up controlling Sumter County. The developer assured us that only a small portion of Sumter County would be developed. And here we are now, lol

Well, you’re welcome for all the jobs and tax revenue.

I did not sense he was complaining. Why the cheap shot?

[Altavia]

I’ve heard it isn’t really a square as the previous 3, but more an entertainment area...I’m guessing like Edna’s on the green without food trucks.

The planning looks more like Sumter Landing with the hotel overlooking a lake, plus golf and major recreational amenities.

[Nick B]

A question- Do we know if Squares will be built in the new sections south, as they have been built in the Original Villages? I have heard that there are not plans to build more Squares. (I am tempted not to believe that, as the Developer has been awesome in duplicating needed attractions.) It would be a huge worry to me if they are not. Brownwood is packed!!!!!!!!!! If anyone has an answer, please respond. Sincere thanks. Isn't The Villages a great place to live!
Yes it's the bestest place in the whole world.

[Nick B]

Yes. But the newest one will be called a "Lifestyle Center".
It's for swingers?

[kkingston57]

When the new square is up and going, feel bad for the merchants. In the new areas there will be less and less young/working age people who live close enough to work at retail/restaurant jobs. In nothern areas there are small cities nearby who can supply manpower for retail/restaurant. Currently most are not running at 100% due to lack of workers who will seriously due to this type of work.

Birth rate in US is going down and it seems to me that Florida is attracting older/retired people

[Bogie Shooter]

When the new square is up and going, feel bad for the merchants. In the new areas there will be less and less young/working age people who live close enough to work at retail/restaurant jobs. In nothern areas there are small cities nearby who can supply manpower for retail/restaurant. Currently most are not running at 100% due to lack of workers who will seriously due to this type of work.

Birth rate in US is going down and it seems to me that Florida is attracting older/retired people

Have you at all noticed the new workforce housing being constructed?

[Bella6368]

Yes, Eastport is slated to be built and is currently in the design stages. It is mentioned that will last until approximately August 2022. (a year and the video in which it was stated was youtube'd in Aug 2021. It will have 1000 yd long lake (no, it doesn't look a single bit phallic. Nope, not at all! Any similarities to upside down male genitalia is entirely in your own dirty, depraved imagination. My wife is calling it "D*ck Lake"). It will combine a town-square like atmosphere with dining and commercial ventures with golf academy/golfing and a recreation center. Eastport does not appear (at least from my amateur eye) to have a live music venue - so not one of the defining features we all know are inherent to the "Town Squares," however they will have that at Sawgrass Grove. Unknown if that is 365 days/year or not. Also, the maps do not refer to Eastport as a "Town Square" per se, but a "Lifestyle Center." I suppose that is still to be fully defined. Gary Mark, one of the lead designers, describes it as "a more intimate town square."

Interestingly, if you pay close attention to the video, he describes Eastport as being located in "the center of The Villages." I wonder if that is a slip to indicate that he is aware of the extent of future development in the next couple decades.

For a very good detailed look at BOTH Eastport and Sawgrass Grove, I recommend the video that is 11:17 long at the link below.

It is discussed by The Developer here:

Continuing The Dream: Volume 10 (https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream_Vol10/index.php#/p/1)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4DujjpVQgY

There is a map inside the linked pages that indicates exactly where it is going. Look for the blue lake labeled, "Eastport."

Also, here is more information on Sawgrass Grove. Kinda like a half-square with a golf course and rec center attached. Instead of restaurants (Except McGrady's Pub), it will have one of those hipster-style big food halls and inside the halls will be several food vendors.

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/whatsnew/continuing-the-dream/new-amenities-and-features-at-sawgrass-grove-are-getting-ready-to-open)

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/whatsnew/continuing-the-dream/checking-in-on-sawgrass-grove)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WcZnYrCMng&t=3s

The new center of the Villages is St. Catherine's/Cason Hammock area.

[MSchad]

When the new square is up and going, feel bad for the merchants. In the new areas there will be less and less young/working age people who live close enough to work at retail/restaurant jobs. In nothern areas there are small cities nearby who can supply manpower for retail/restaurant.
Now that is a new take on why the northern area is/will be better than the southern.

[Normal]

Isn’t Sawgrass a square? Not open yet I know, but it’s being built.

Sawgrass isn’t a square, it’s an area with less than half the parking available at a regular square. We were at an event in Ezell (shares the parking) and there wasn’t any parking available anywhere. Sawgrass hasn’t even opened up yet either.

[Marathon Man]

When the new square is up and going, feel bad for the merchants. In the new areas there will be less and less young/working age people who live close enough to work at retail/restaurant jobs. In nothern areas there are small cities nearby who can supply manpower for retail/restaurant. Currently most are not running at 100% due to lack of workers who will seriously due to this type of work.

Birth rate in US is going down and it seems to me that Florida is attracting older/retired people

Have you heard of Leesburg, Wildwood, Coleman? Small towns are everywhere.

[VApeople]

We were at an event in Ezell (shares the parking) and there wasn’t any parking available anywhere.

There is a fence around Sawgrass. If you look through the gate, you will see there is a lot of parking behind the fence. That will soon be open.

[Marathon Man]

Sawgrass isn’t a square, it’s an area with less than half the parking available at a regular square. We were at an event in Ezell (shares the parking) and there wasn’t any parking available anywhere. Sawgrass hasn’t even opened up yet either.

Less than half the parking because it less than half the size of the squares. Makes sense to me.

[bilcon]

We used to love going to LSL when we move here 13 years ago. You actually saw mostly Villages residents. Now every Tom, Dick, and Harry seem to have taken over our squares. Not fun anymore. These are the same people who write negative comments about TV in that (other) on line news. Maybe I'm just getting old.

"I never made a mistake in my life. I thought I did once, but I was wrong".