Is Spanish Springs dieing slowly

[derrickgoobie]

Spanish Springs is slowly dieing, most of the shops, bars, restaurants are closed. Is anything happening to revitalized it ?

[golfing eagles]

Spanish Springs is slowly dieing, most of the shops, bars, restaurants are closed. Is anything happening to revitalized it ?

SOME businesses are closed, not most. Hard to state whether or not it is DYING

[dewilson58]

Spanish Springs is slowly dieing, most of the shops, bars, restaurants are closed. Is anything happening to revitalized it ?

:sigh::sigh:

[Bogie Shooter]

Spanish Springs is slowly dieing, most of the shops, bars, restaurants are closed. Is anything happening to revitalized it ?

I guess you missed this thread with 74 posts answering your question.
???
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/spainish-springs-356943/?highlight=Spanish+springs

[Snakster66]

I guess you missed this thread with 74 posts answering your question.
???
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/spainish-springs-356943/?highlight=Spanish+springs

He was probably thrown off by the spelling. Though I must say, I think Spain-ish is a more accurate representaton.

[dougjb]

Slowly? Nah...its dead fast!

[CoachKandSportsguy]

recession coming vs dead?

Inflationary effects vs lagging income effects?
(inflation happens during the year, and the annual adjustment comes after the inflation has already hit your spending)

Age transition from the original TV concept to the current age, does take time, a good 10 years. Our friends bought near SS from a seller who moved into assisted living. . . great outdoor living versus today's models, more spacious land area with pool, spa, outdoor kitchen. .

[HappyTraveler]

recession coming vs dead?

Inflationary effects vs lagging income effects?

Yes, I think this. ^^^ Economies are cyclical - that has always been the case.

An anecdotal example I can offer is that I was visiting TV for three week last year at exactly this time and stayed in the SS area. I now live here. I see a noticeable difference in the lesser traffic on 441 and lower attendance at SS Town Square in the evenings. If someone were to measure it, that effect is likely true all over TV.

The last several years of inflationary pressures have caught up with peoples wallets. They have less savings to use for discretionary activities.

There was also that unique "pandemic" event in 2020-2022 that caused plenty of people from states helmed by Governors with draconian policies to begin looking elsewhere for a possible/actual move. That pressure has eased which is likely resulting in lower visitation to TV.

There is substantial population both north and south of SS (50,000+?) to support it. So, it'll come back when personal and national economics improve.

[Stu from NYC]

Time will tell

[rustyp]

Spanish Springs is slowly dieing, most of the shops, bars, restaurants are closed. Is anything happening to revitalized it ?

He was probably thrown off by the spelling. Though I must say, I think Spain-ish is a more accurate representaton.

Say the ladies are insane there
And they sure know how to use it

[Normal]

Give it some time maybe?

We are undergoing a strong downturn on home values in the Villages.
Can interest rates change our decline before January 26? As we all know there are houses for sale everywhere. One just has to click on the Villages.com or Zillow and you could view homes all day long. The MLS is hurried with inventory. But, the change of tide could be interest rate changes. Give it till Spring of 26?

The five cities where inventory grew the most between January 2024 and January 2025 were Palatka (up 34.3 percent with 435 active listings), Wauchula (up 32.8 percent with 77), Naples (up 28.6 percent with 7,932), Fort Lauderdale (up 27.2 percent with 19,440), and The Villages.

In all these cities a significant share of sellers have lowered their originally asked price, hoping to encourage buyers.

According to Zillow data, there were 288 homes for sale in the Palatka market as of Tuesday morning, 74 of which had a price reduction. In Wauchula, there were 61, of which six had their price slashed by sellers. In Naples, there were 8,043 homes listed for sale, 2,731 of which had a price reduction. In Fort Lauderdale, 3,249 were listed for sale, 830 of which had their originally listed price cut by sellers.

In The Villages, 290 homes listed for sale had price cuts, out of a total of 713 (excluding FSBO of 23.). Then there are another 800 VLS preowned.

There will be a turnaround sooner or later and then Spanish Springs will again be a more desirable retail area.

[Kelevision]

Personally, I live south of 44 and barely even go to Lake Sumter Landing. I’d never go to Spanish Springs. Too far. Brownwood and Sawgrass Grove are packed all the time. I’d go to Sawgrass more often but it’s always so crowded.

[jbartle1]

Personally, I live south of 44 and barely even go to Lake Sumter Landing. I’d never go to Spanish Springs. Too far. Brownwood and Sawgrass Grove are packed all the time. I’d go to Sawgrass more often but it’s always so crowded.

Very typical, we stay in our bubble when we are seniors!

[Stu from NYC]

Personally, I live south of 44 and barely even go to Lake Sumter Landing. I’d never go to Spanish Springs. Too far. Brownwood and Sawgrass Grove are packed all the time. I’d go to Sawgrass more often but it’s always so crowded.

As Yogi used to say, nobody goes there anymore its too crowded

[Rwirish]

Most are not closed and it is not dying.

[USOTR]

Yes, I think this. ^^^ Economies are cyclical - that has always been the case.

An anecdotal example I can offer is that I was visiting TV for three week last year at exactly this time and stayed in the SS area. I now live here. I see a noticeable difference in the lesser traffic on 441 and lower attendance at SS Town Square in the evenings. If someone were to measure it, that effect is likely true all over TV.

The last several years of inflationary pressures have caught up with peoples wallets. They have less savings to use for discretionary activities.

There was also that unique "pandemic" event in 2020-2022 that caused plenty of people from states helmed by Governors with draconian policies to begin looking elsewhere for a possible/actual move. That pressure has eased which is likely resulting in lower visitation to TV.

There is substantial population both north and south of SS (50,000+?) to support it. So, it'll come back when personal and national economics improve.

I will have to totally agree.. The last several years of outrageous inflation has hit all middle class families. Especially us retired senior citizens. As such our "fun" funds has lowered and going out for food is part of that. Add to that the great infrastructure of business on 441 or 466 offer a large amount of competition for those remaining "fun" funds.

All we can do is keep shopping at Spanish Springs and hopefully the developers will lower rent prices to help support the business.

[Ptmcbriz]

Sawgrass is packed every night. You have to arrive early to get a seat or bring your own. I haven’t been over to Brownwood lately, but I assume it’s still packed like Sawgrass. South of 44 is still hoppin.

[Federspiel]

Is it more related to the average age of the population. Are more younger people buying South? I am 80 living in Spanish Springs. I am not as active as I was 55-75.

[DarrenandKathy]

I wonder if there is any published information or statistics regarding the age demographics of the various town squares?
I’ll bet that the Spanish Springs area is an older population then the others.

[Lisas61]

We live near Sawgrass. We have no issue traveling over to Spanish Springs, I love the drive in the cart on a nice night. We went last Sunday for lunch at our favorite Italian. Place was packed in the afternoon on a Sunday. We see great shows there at the Sharon. Two of the best restaurants are over there. I love it there, it makes me remember the first time I saw it and why we chose to live here. Nothing is that far away really. It's all perspective. I lived in CT and upstate NY prior to here. Had to drive far to do anything. Had to take a train to the City to do a Show and dinner! I can do a Show and dinner on my golf cart! Nothing is perfect. Change happens. They just made some nice changes to Spanish Springs. I think each Town Square has a little something different. Try to find the good in things...excited for Eastport. I love it here and I work full time so I don't even get to do all the things!

[jmaccallum]

Spanish Springs is slowly dieing, most of the shops, bars, restaurants are closed. Is anything happening to revitalized it ?

Just to look at numbers, there are 10 open eateries in Spanish Springs Square and if you include La Plaza Grand (which is basically connected) that number goes up to 19 eateries.

Counting all the same type of eateries, Sumter Landing has 15.

So, I wouldn’t say Spanish Springs is dying.

[ChicagoNative]

On the contrary, I see Spanish Springs square going through a rebirth.

The new Genesis gym that took over the old movie house has been a shot in the arm. The old gym across the street is being redeveloped. ( some say it will become apartments, but I have not seen anything authoritative). Restaurants come and go, but they have a good selection of decent options there.

The layout of the residential areas is nice and there are a lot of mature trees. You can call it the “historic section” all you want, but the downside to me is that a whole lot of the housing in that area is comprised of mobile homes. After living in a mobile home in St. Pete for a few years, I will never again live in one. YMMV.

The old timers lament the loss of Katie Belle’s and the movie theatre, but if either were profitable, I’m sure they’d still be there. Times and tastes change.

[Battlebasset]

Living in the Fenny area, I would only go to SS square if there were really a band I wanted to see. Otherwise, I can get everything in the way of entertainment/dining Lake Sumter landing south.

We drove our golf cart up there once just to say we did it. Never again. I generally won't take my golf cart north of Brownwood. Who wants to do a two hour+ round trip in a golf cart? I like my kidneys more than that.

[pgettinger01]

I think Spanish Springs is in transition from mobile homes and older residents to younger residents. It takes time. There are some selling points to Spanish Springs. For example:

Bigger lots
Less expensive homes
Lower bonds
Mature growth

[vemetz57]

They are revitalizing the ‘Spanish Springs Town Center” hoping to bring in residents from all the apartments they are building outside of The Villages. Not Villagers. You are correct about the manufactured homes, they have stopped buying them and building site built. The new ‘Rec’ center was to have been started and finished by now but ground hasn’t even been broken! The bridge over 441 is atrociously filthy. Do you see any signs advertising ‘The Historic Side’, absolutely not because it needs updating and new homes to appeal to new residents.

[tophcfa]

Everything and everyone begins to start slowly dying immediately after inception.

[coleprice]

Rents are too expensive given the limited traffic that Spanish Springs attracts.

[johnblackwell]

Spanish Springs is slowly dying, most of the shops, bars, restaurants are closed. Is anything happening to revitalized it ?

As the average age of residents near Spanish Springs increases, they go out less and spend less money in stores and restaurants. Businesses close.

It's not clear what "the developer" can do about this, other than reduce rents which I assume they have already done in their own self-interest - low rent is better than no rent.

Eventually the older residents will move or die, and younger residents will move in, revitalizing SS.

[BPRICE1234]

Personally, I live south of 44 and barely even go to Lake Sumter Landing. I’d never go to Spanish Springs. Too far. Brownwood and Sawgrass Grove are packed all the time. I’d go to Sawgrass more often but it’s always so crowded.
I wish they would get rid of the putt putt at Sawgrass and put another actual restaurant or strictly golf cart parking. I love the putt putt but maybe relocate it.

[DAVES]

recession coming vs dead?

Inflationary effects vs lagging income effects?
(inflation happens during the year, and the annual adjustment comes after the inflation has already hit your spending)

Age transition from the original TV concept to the current age, does take time, a good 10 years. Our friends bought near SS from a seller who moved into assisted living. . . great outdoor living versus today's models, more spacious land area with pool, spa, outdoor kitchen. .

I'm not sure the point. How to budget is actually something you dealt with all your life and continue to do in retirement. Some spend more than the can or should. Others spend less than they can. Old saying man plans and god laughs.

Recession coming. The ?EXPERTS? have been saying this for YEARS. Sooner of later they will be right. Far as a seller who moved into assisted living. One thing you can be sure of. Tomorrow you will either be one day older or on your way to be planted-that you can be sure of..

[Altavia]

I wish they would get rid of the putt putt at Sawgrass and put another actual restaurant or strictly golf cart parking. I love the putt putt but maybe relocate it.

Very dynamic economy in that area. Particularly with thousands of families populating the Middleton area.

Middleton has several new Restaurants and businesses in final stages of staffing and stocking.

Eastport will follow about a year behind.

[rsmurano]

SS has been dead for a while. Old homes, a lot of traffic, older residents, and the styles of the homes are quite dated. I hate the sssllloooowwww Morse speed north of 466.
The villages are not in a downturn spiral, far from it. Everybody I know that is selling their home south of 44 is asking for $200k more for their house than what they bought it for 3 years ago. The villages sells every new home they build in Eastport and there could be 100’s of people in the lottery for each of the new homes for sale. My friends list out on 5-7 homes due to the large lottery before they won to build in Eastport.
Now if somebody is asking for a $200k-$300k more for their 3 year old house and they have to take an offer $50k less, that’s not a downward spiraling housing market.

Also, at our age, why would you be impacted by higher interest rates, or inflation? I would be think at our age we would be prepared for the his type of thing, or assisted living costs, maybe more medical costs, higher travel costs, and positioned your portfolio so it would be fairly safe in bad times. The market doesn’t always go up and we can have recessions every so many years that can last a few years.

[mraines]

Personally, I live south of 44 and barely even go to Lake Sumter Landing. I’d never go to Spanish Springs. Too far. Brownwood and Sawgrass Grove are packed all the time. I’d go to Sawgrass more often but it’s always so crowded.
I prefer Spanish Springs. Brownwood and Sawgrass are too far and I prefer less crowds. I love Spanish Springs.

[kkingston57]

Personally, I live south of 44 and barely even go to Lake Sumter Landing. I’d never go to Spanish Springs. Too far. Brownwood and Sawgrass Grove are packed all the time. I’d go to Sawgrass more often but it’s always so crowded.

Have the opposite problem as I live 1/2 mile from SS and south of 44 is like driving to another county/city and go to same type of establishments. TV is now about 20 miles end to end,

Been to Sawgrass and it is much smaller than SS and therefore with a smaller crowd it can be more crowded. Need to come to SS on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Great car show with 200+/- cars, i

[kkingston57]

Just to look at numbers, there are 10 open eateries in Spanish Springs Square and if you include La Plaza Grand (which is basically connected) that number goes up to 19 eateries.

Counting all the same type of eateries, Sumter Landing has 15.

So, I wouldn’t say Spanish Springs is dying.

Mostly agree, 3 restaurants closed down in last 1-2 years and all 3 spaces remain un occupied. Restaurant owners probably do not want to try and open a new biz because too much supply and lessening demand (not a lot new residential property) Gym re opening has created more traffic and developers might need to be more creative in marketing these closed restaurants,

[kkingston57]

Rents are too expensive given the limited traffic that Spanish Springs attracts.

Can't tell how many times I have heard this but has anybody actually stated what the rent is for TV property vs non TV rental rates. Would love to see actual numbers

[Jayhawk]

Mostly agree, 3 restaurants closed down in last 1-2 years and all 3 spaces remain un occupied.

Margarita Republic was a filthy, disgusting place with a lot of outsider troublemakers. Cop calls were a regular occurrence. Good riddance.

World of Beer filed bankruptcy—the entire company. Yes, some locations remain open, but the bankruptcy wasn't related just to Spanish Springs.

Gators was more a bar than anything else. Plenty of other spots to get a drink.

[MX rider]

Margarita Republic was a filthy, disgusting place with a lot of outsider troublemakers. Cop calls were a regular occurrence. Good riddance.

World of Beer filed bankruptcy—the entire company. Yes, some locations remain open, but the bankruptcy wasn't related just to Spanish Springs.

Gators was more a bar than anything else. Plenty of other spots to get a drink.

100% correct on Margarita Republic. We went there 1 time, looked around and left. Dirty and obviously not well run.

[FloridaGuy66]

I wish they would get rid of the putt putt at Sawgrass and put another actual restaurant or strictly golf cart parking. I love the putt putt but maybe relocate it.

Sawgrass is proof that having a "square" share a location/parking with a rec center and other activities is probably a bad idea.

I think Eastport is going to become a nightmare in comparison for that reason.

[margaretmattson]

Sawgrass is proof that having a "square" share a
location/parking
with a rec center and other
activities is probably a bad idea.

I think Eastport is going to become a nightmare in comparison for that reason.I saw a video on Ladies of the Lanai. They interviewed a man on the progress of Eastport. He said people are going to be surprised. It is much smaller than anticipated.If you take away the hotel, rec center, sales center, and health/wellness center there is not much more. He also stated parking spaces are very limited. I guess we will have to wait and see!

[Marathon Man]

Sawgrass is proof that having a "square" share a location/parking with a rec center and other activities is probably a bad idea.

I think Eastport is going to become a nightmare in comparison for that reason.

I could not disagree more. I have been to Sawgrass many times. Always got a place to park.

[JMintzer]

I could not disagree more. I have been to Sawgrass many times. Always got a place to park.

And I always have trouble getting a parking place. Especially when something is going on in the Rec Center in the evening.

Sadly, you can't just park a bit farther away and walk...

[asianthree]

Sawgrass is proof that having a "square" share a location/parking with a rec center and other activities is probably a bad idea.

I think Eastport is going to become a nightmare in comparison for that reason.

Sawgrass isn’t a square, but an entertainment center. It was a new concept similar to Edna’s for casual gathering, with food options.

Both Sawgrass and Edna’s do well. SS, LSL, and Brownwood are titled as a “Square”, with retail, offices, some medical, restaurants, and entertainment.

Sawgrass only has entertainment, and food offerings, with only one restaurant, and a food court. I wouldn’t call the pro shop a retailer, but convenience for golfers.

So far I have not read Middleton has the title of “Square”, but a shopping, and restaurant destination.

Eastport is also a shopping, restaurant destination, with old world feel of European, market. So far no label as a “square”

I wonder if “square” concept is a thing of the past. Since all three “squares” are actually built in a Square.

[mtdjed]

Spanish Springs is slowly dieing, most of the shops, bars, restaurants are closed. Is anything happening to revitalized it ?

First, I think we have to realize, The Villages is not a go to destination for tourists. Nor do I as a resident want it to be. Town centers are designed for residents. By design The Villages is aging from north to south. It will gradually be refreshed. But what worked yesterday has changed. Movies are out; theater changed to Exercise Club.
What would you think might be the future? What would work? I envision apartments, convenience stores, doctor offices, perhaps some local takeout food, some financial services, a bank.

I don't think it is dying, but perhaps evolving,

Test, If you were searching for a location of a new National Restaurant would you pick Spanish Springs or a site on 441/27?

[coffeebean]

Rents are too expensive given the limited traffic that Spanish Springs attracts.
Limited traffic? SS is located on 441. That has lots of traffic. I'm not sure of your point.

EDIT....just re-read your post. I think you meant foot traffic, not vehicular traffic. Got it!

[Bill14564]

Limited traffic? SS is located on 441. That has lots of traffic. I'm not sure of your point.

"Traffic" as in foot traffic: people walking through SS and shopping at the stores. The automobile traffic that flies by on 441 is not the traffic they are referring to.

[coffeebean]

Have the opposite problem as I live 1/2 mile from SS and south of 44 is like driving to another county/city and go to same type of establishments. TV is now about 20 miles end to end,

Been to Sawgrass and it is much smaller than SS and therefore with a smaller crowd it can be more crowded. Need to come to SS on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Great car show with 200+/- cars, i
Sawgrass is not a square really can't be compared to SS. I much prefer Spanish Springs to the food court at Sawgrass. We haven't gone to Sawgrass since our first visit. My absolute favorite square, however, will always be Lake Sumter Landing.

[coffeebean]

I saw a video on Ladies of the Lanai. They interviewed a man on the progress of Eastport. He said people are going to be surprised. It is much smaller than anticipated.If you take away the hotel, rec center, sales center, and health/wellness center there is not much more. He also stated parking spaces are very limited. I guess we will have to wait and see!

Sounds like Eastport will not have the amount of restaurants and retail that SS, Brownwood and LSL have. Eastport is still considered a "square"?

[coffeebean]

"Traffic" as in foot traffic: people walking through SS and shopping at the stores. The automobile traffic that flies by on 441 is not the traffic they are referring to.

Funny, I just realized that before I read this post. I added an edit to my previous post. Maybe you didn't see it.

[Bill14564]

Funny, I just realized that before I read this post. I added an edit to my previous post. Maybe you didn't see it.

No, I didn't see your edit at 10:14 before I created my post at 7:34.

[Jayhawk]

Spanish Springs Town Square on tap for $1.2 million upgrade

by Staff Report
March 9, 2025

[Papa_lecki]

Spanish Springs Town Square on tap for $1.2 million upgrade

by Staff Report
March 9, 2025

The are obviously reading TOTV, they saw this thread and decided to invest in SS.

[Bogie Shooter]

The are obviously reading TOTV, they saw this thread and decided to invest in SS.

:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Kelevision]

If they weren’t focusing on more, more, bigger and bigger, they should start taking down those manufactured homes and building new homes there and then it would take off. People who want to buy brand new would have a choice of north vs south.

[Normal]

If they weren’t focusing on more, more, bigger and bigger, they should start taking down those manufactured homes and building new homes there and then it would take off. People who want to buy brand new would have a choice of north vs south.

Sure, just evict everyone, bulldozer, and build again? It’s over in the area, it is what it is. Some of the older houses are being replaced through attrition though.

[Marathon Man]

And I always have trouble getting a parking place. Especially when something is going on in the Rec Center in the evening.

Sadly, you can't just park a bit farther away and walk...

I have never seen a time when there was zero parking. Even when parking is spilling over to the pool area parking lot. I am there at least three times a week.

[HappyTraveler]

......they should start taking down those manufactured homes and building new homes there and then it would take off.
The Villages developer was doing that some years back and built several (many?) homes for resale after taking away very old manufactured ones. A TV agent told me about it. They stopped at some point and he didn't know why. Perhaps, they only intended to create the momentum for that while sticking to their primary business of new builds.

Silver Lake, in particular, has some quite old and worn-out manufactured homes. I don't live there but, one time when driving thru, decided to notice how many new homes there were. I defined it as: homes that seemed to be 10 years old or less. In driving about 8 streets and only looking for that...I was surprised how many there were. Quite a lot. The same evolution is occurring in the two other sections of the Historic District as well.

[Bill14564]

The Villages developer was doing that some years back and built several (many?) homes for resale after taking away very old manufactured ones. A TV agent told me about it. They stopped at some point and he didn't know why. Perhaps, they only intended to create the momentum for that while sticking to their primary business of new builds.

...

Did the TV agent tell you how the Villages acquired the very old manufactured homes they took down and rebuilt for resale? That might be the key to why they stopped.

[HappyTraveler]

Did the TV agent tell you how the Villages acquired the very old manufactured homes they took down and rebuilt for resale? That might be the key to why they stopped.
He didn't. I assume they bought listed properties or knew they were going to be listed and bought before they were.

There are land lots sometimes for sale on Properties of The Villages and sometimes quite old mfg homes that show-up for sale, quite cheaply. The seller likely realizing it's a tear down.

[Kelevision]

Sure, just evict everyone, bulldozer, and build again? It’s over in the area, it is what it is. Some of the older houses are being replaced through attrition though.

Where is the eye roll emoji……

[Kelevision]

The Villages developer was doing that some years back and built several (many?) homes for resale after taking away very old manufactured ones. A TV agent told me about it. They stopped at some point and he didn't know why. Perhaps, they only intended to create the momentum for that while sticking to their primary business of new builds.

Silver Lake, in particular, has some quite old and worn-out manufactured homes. I don't live there but, one time when driving thru, decided to notice how many new homes there were. I defined it as: homes that seemed to be 10 years old or less. In driving about 8 streets and only looking for that...I was surprised how many there were. Quite a lot. The same evolution is occurring in the two other sections of the Historic District as well.

They do have some of the lots for sale after they take down the manufactured home. They’re kind of pricey though.

[Normal]

If I were retail, I would be hustling to buy into Spanish Springs. The remake AND the HUGE Hammock Oaks development by Ryan Homes will bring almost too much foot traffic to the area.

[Bogie Shooter]

Spanish Springs …..what’s happening.

What's Coming to Spanish Springs (https://www.thevillages.com/whats-new/growth/whats-coming-to-spanish-springs/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=040825%20Vmail&utm_term=Community%20Updates)

[Risuli]

Spanish Springs …..what’s happening.

What's Coming to Spanish Springs (https://www.thevillages.com/whats-new/growth/whats-coming-to-spanish-springs/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=040825%20Vmail&utm_term=Community%20Updates)

Well, that video was pretty much all heat and no light...

[Bogie Shooter]

Well, that video was pretty much all heat and no light...

Bash it all you want, not my story to tell. Offered as another information source.
BTW do you live near SS?

[thelegges]

The Villages developer was doing that some years back and built several (many?) homes for resale after taking away very old manufactured ones. A TV agent told me about it. They stopped at some point and he didn't know why. Perhaps, they only intended to create the momentum for that while sticking to their primary business of new builds.

Silver Lake, in particular, has some quite old and worn-out manufactured homes. I don't live there but, one time when driving thru, decided to notice how many new homes there were. I defined it as: homes that seemed to be 10 years old or less. In driving about 8 streets and only looking for that...I was surprised how many there were. Quite a lot. The same evolution is occurring in the two other sections of the Historic District as well.

Tornado season had something to do with many of the original trailers damaged beyond repair. Developer made different deals for each section. My aunt lost her mobile home on the golf course from giant oaks. She had options to sell or site build. We also met a few couples who inherited golf front grandparents or parents home, had it removed and site built.

Eventually the historic side will become site built, as mobile homes age out, beyond repair.

[HappyTraveler]

Tornado season had something to do with many of the original trailers damaged beyond repair. Developer made different deals for each section. My aunt lost her mobile home on the golf course from giant oaks. She had options to sell or site build. We also met a few couples who inherited golf front grandparents or parents home, had it removed and site built.

Eventually the historic side will become site built, as mobile homes age out, beyond repair.
This is very much the case. When one drives thru OBG or Silver Lake, their eye tends to notice the very aged residences because they look like yesteryear.

However, if you decide to drive thru and specifically look for newer builds (say, 10 yrs old or less), THEN you'll notice how much newer stuff is there. Quite a lot.

The SS Town Square upgrade will be really nice. Some of us love that it isn't super crowded with lots of traffic. Much nicer that way.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

They do have some of the lots for sale after they take down the manufactured home. They’re kind of pricey though.

I noticed one last month was being offered at $89,000. Not sure how much it ended up going for but it's not for sale anymore. On the Homefinder page, there's one for $110,000 that's just 4 doors away from the rear of Paradise Rec Center, so it's away from traffic but right next to the activities. There's another on the golf course for $115k.

You can buy a brand new double-wide and have it rolled in and hooked up for under $125,000 - so basically you'd be getting a golf-course home, around 1180 square feet, all brand new floor roof plumbing walls laundry shed electrical hookups and everything else, for only $240,000. Add another $10,000 for all the appliances and furniture, and I'd say that's a pretty good deal.

[Normal]

I noticed one last month was being offered at $89,000. Not sure how much it ended up going for but it's not for sale anymore. On the Homefinder page, there's one for $110,000 that's just 4 doors away from the rear of Paradise Rec Center, so it's away from traffic but right next to the activities. There's another on the golf course for $115k.

You can buy a brand new double-wide and have it rolled in and hooked up for under $125,000 - so basically you'd be getting a golf-course home, around 1180 square feet, all brand new floor roof plumbing walls laundry shed electrical hookups and everything else, for only $240,000. Add another $10,000 for all the appliances and furniture, and I'd say that's a pretty good deal.

Hmmm….a quarter of a million to live in a trailer? Not my kind of deal.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Hmmm….a quarter of a million to live in a trailer? Not my kind of deal.
It's not just a trailer. It's a double-wide, so two trailers for that price. BOGO, total deal!

[FloridaGuy66]

Hmmm….a quarter of a million to live in a trailer? Not my kind of deal.

Living in a trailer isn't necessarily the bad part. It's living in an area with people that tend to live in trailers that can be the issue.

[graciegirl]

I guess you missed this thread with 74 posts answering your question.
???
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/spainish-springs-356943/?highlight=Spanish+springs

Have I mentioned how astute the guy called Bogie Shooter has been for all of the 15 years I have read stuff he says on this forum?????

[Normal]

It's not just a trailer. It's a double-wide, so two trailers for that price. BOGO, total deal!

Like the wine deals at the grocery store?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Hmmm….a quarter of a million to live in a trailer? Not my kind of deal.

They're not trailers. A trailer is a home that gets hitched to a trailer hitch and pulled from the manufacturer to the location, then unhitched.

A mobile home WAS a thing, that is no longer available, its minimum requirements changed some time in the 1980's, and morphed into what is now known as a manufactured home.

A manufactured home is a complete structure, with reinforced walls and roof trusses, that is placed onto a flatbed (or more, for anything beyond single-wides), driven (not pulled) to the lot, and then lowered off the flatbed onto either cinderblocks, concrete slab foundations, or other foundational supports. They are then anchored to the ground, usually with anchors that rise up through the roof and back down onto the other side, so that a hurricane can't just blow the whole thing away. New manufactured homes have to have hurricane-rated windows and doors. They end up almost as sturdy as most wood-frame homes.

You might have your mind back in the 1970's, or in areas of the country where trailer parks were equated with poverty and ill repair. A lot has happened since then. Mostly, evolution. Forward-thinking. New concepts and designs. Better safety standards. The replacement of formica with granite.

[tophcfa]

I’m all for revitalizing Spanish Springs, but after both reading about the plans in the paper and watching the video I still don’t understand what’s being done to revitalize it? Im not sure how new signage at entry points and on the bridge over 441, enhanced entry features (whatever those are), reimagined storefronts, and expanded outside seating options are going to revitalize the town square. All I heard were a whole bunch of buzzwords without anything meaningful behind them. Now if they said they were going to attract more people to the square by bringing back the weekly farmers market (not the lame Mercado Market), keeping the monthly cruise in, feature some of the most popular bands, that attract the largest crowds, on a regular basis (like Relic), and having frequent festivals there, that would be more meaningful. Anyone who was at the annual St. Patrick’s day event at Spanish Springs knows that the square will draw large crowds if they have featured events there. The problem is that over the years the events have been moved to Brownwood, which is closer to where they are building new homes. My fear is that the bleed of events that attract large crowds is only going to get much worse once Eastport opens up.

[Ignatz]

I agree with tophcfa in that I didn’t see anything pitched that is going to revitalize SS.

Hope they come up with something. We like driving up there and would like to see things to keep us going there.

[HappyTraveler]

I agree with tophcfa in that I didn’t see anything pitched that is going to revitalize SS.

Hope they come up with something. We like driving up there and would like to see things to keep us going there.
You both need to watch the video again. It is there and the newspaper article provided more detail about it.

[mbene]

I'm pretty sure that Spanish Springs will be okay. There is a constant turnover of homes up north as the original owners either leave or pass on and they're not being replaced by 80 or 90 year olds.

[FloridaGuy66]

I'm pretty sure that Spanish Springs will be okay. There is a constant turnover of homes up north as the original owners either leave or pass on and they're not being replaced by 80 or 90 year olds.

It's not as simple as that. Spanish Springs caters to an older demographic and doesn't draw the non-Villages locals like LSL and Brownwood do. We were out for dinner last night at Brownwood in fact at 9pm since we like to eat late. We had to go on a waiting list to go into one of the restaurants that we wanted to dine at, and it would've been the same for most restaurants in the square. Our waiter told us that he used to work at a now defunct restaurant in SS and it was almost completely dependent on Villagers for customers, where Brownwood has a mix of people that from both inside and outside of TV which helps during the "slow" season.

When we've showed up to SS to dine at 9pm it's pretty much shut down and the restaurants are nearly empty.

I think the long strip of chain restaurants near SS doesn't help that situation either.

[Marathon Man]

It's not as simple as that. Spanish Springs caters to an older demographic and doesn't draw the non-Villages locals like LSL and Brownwood do. We were out for dinner last night at Brownwood in fact at 9pm since we like to eat late. We had to go on a waiting list to go into one of the restaurants that we wanted to dine at, and it would've been the same for most restaurants in the square. Our waiter told us that he used to work at a now defunct restaurant in SS and it was almost completely dependent on Villagers for customers, where Brownwood has a mix of people that from both inside and outside of TV which helps during the "slow" season.

When we've showed up to SS to dine at 9pm it's pretty much shut down and the restaurants are nearly empty.

I think the long strip of chain restaurants near SS doesn't help that situation either.

That is a big loss for the businesses, if true. I guess that would explain the many closures. If locals are going elsewhere, there must be a reason.

[Gpsma]

Spanish Springs is for the old, old, old people.it wont change till they are gone.

[Bogie Shooter]

Spanish Springs is for the old, old, old people.it wont change till they are gone.

So there!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

That is a big loss for the businesses, if true. I guess that would explain the many closures. If locals are going elsewhere, there must be a reason.

People who live in Stonecrest, Spruce Creek, Water Oaks, Leisure Meadows, Blue Parrot, Recreation Plantation, and similar all enjoy Spanish Springs. None of those are in The Villages, but they're all within 10 minutes of the Square. They come for the free music and dancing, buy drinks, buy dinner, sometimes come early and go shopping. Also Villagers have families from out of town who come to visit, and they enjoy the square as well.

Now that several restaurants are closed though, there are fewer options for people who WANT to enjoy the afternoon/evening at the Square. I imagine the restaurants north of Spanish Springs are profiting from our loss.

[margaretmattson]

Restaurants and businesses close for their own reasons. McGrady's and Sunny Pint, reataurants just a few years old in the newest area, have recently closed. IT HAPPENS EVERYWHERE. I have been here over 20 years, there have been too many closings to count. IN ALL THE SQUARES! Need a little proof? Explain how FMK was/is able to open restaurant after restaurant? Answer? The former occupants left.

Btw: We ate in Spanish Springs three times this month. Each time, we had to wait to be seated because the restaurants were full. Try it yourself. See if your luck is better than ours. I will be surprised if you are seated right away.

Not all businesses that leave the squares do so because of failure. For example: At one time, there was a mexican restaurant (kinda like Chipotles) located where Amerikanos is now. It was independently owned. Within a few years, the owner made enough money to retire quite comfortably. Decided the work was too hard, bought a premiere home, and now, enjoys golfing and relaxing every day.

[Marathon Man]

Restaurants and businesses close for their own reasons. McGrady's and Sunny Pint, reataurants just a few years old in the newest area, have recently closed. IT HAPPENS EVERYWHERE. I have been here over 20 years, there have been too many closings to count. IN ALL THE SQUARES! Need a little proof? Explain how FMK was/is able to open restaurant after restaurant? Answer? The former occupants left.

Btw: We ate in Spanish Springs three times this month. Each time, we had to wait to be seated because the restaurants were full. Try it yourself. See if your luck is better than ours. I will be surprised if you are seated right away.

McGradys did not close, it was re-branded and still operating. Sunny pint is not in the new area, it is in Wildwood. It's a tavern.

[margaretmattson]

McGradys did not close, it was re-branded and still operating. Sunny pint is not in the new area, it is in Wildwood. It's a tavern.McGradys changed ownership, therefore it is a new business.

We went to Sunny Pint several times. The tavern depended on Villagers for success. I do not know the reason they closed, but my hunch is they grew tired of the hard work.

Maybe, both former owners walked away with a sweet deal and $$$$ in their pockets. Who knows? Businesses close for their own reason. The reason is not always failure.

I have owned several businesses. Fortunately, each was a success. However, there were times when I got too big for my britches or a business partner wanted something I was not willing to do. I closed some locations to make my life easier. Ask anyone who is self employed. It is hard work. Sometimes, enough is enough, and you walk away with a sweet profit. Move on, and never look back.

[FloridaGuy66]

IT HAPPENS EVERYWHERE. I have been here over 20 years, there have been too many closings to count. IN ALL THE SQUARES!

I've been here 5 years and I haven't seen any restaurants shutdown in Brownwood, yet at the same time SS has lost several restaurants. One of the most recent, World of Beer was very empty in SS in the months before it closed down. WOB in Brownwood still has a lineup outside almost every night.

[FloridaGuy66]

We went to Sunny Pint several times. The tavern depended on Villagers for success. I do not know the reason they closed, but my hunch is they grew tired of the hard work.

Maybe, both former owners walked away with a sweet deal and $$$$ in their pockets. Who knows? Businesses close for their own reason. The reason is not always failure.


Sunny Pint closed down because the owners expanded to an Ocala location and then proceeded to lose large sums of money on that failed restaurant as they even admitted publicly that they didn't correctly understand the Ocala market. The Wildwood location also went downhill during this phase as one of the owners was tied up running the Ocala location, and the staff was spread thin over the two locations.

Even though the food was quite good, the owners also seemed to run the restaurant very inconsistently. The hours were quite sporadic and it felt like they ran it more as a hobby with the the restaurant closing at 8pm even on Friday and Saturday. Their concept of not employing waitstaff was also something that most people were not big fans of. Instead of having bartenders waiting for people to come to them, waitstaff would've made things a much better experience and likely more profitable as well.

[margaretmattson]

I've been here 5 years and I haven't seen any restaurants shutdown in Brownwood, yet at the same time SS has lost several restaurants. One of the most recent, World of Beer was very empty in SS in the months before it closed down. WOB in Brownwood still has a lineup outside almost every night.It is difficult to compare the two squares. I believe World of Beer was at the SS location for nearly 20 yrs. People tire of the same ol' same ol' and go elsewhere. There are many, many restaurants located within miles in that area. Have you heard the saying, when people have much to choose from, they choose nothing? This applies to Spanish Springs residents. They have an abundance to choose from, yet they purchase so little.

Brownwood is busy every night because there is nothing else for the nearby residents. Once MIddleton and Eastport open completely, that dynamic will change. Residents will enjoy the new offerings and forget the old. It happens!

There is no reason to fret. SS will attract new business as they have since opening. Brownwood will slow down once Eastport is open. Some businesses will go and be replaced. Change is good.

[michgary]

I will live happily in the middle until i die ,, i'll let you know when,,:wave:

[Kerry Azz]

I was just informed that they are doing the last car show this Saturday, I’m hoping it was bad information.

[Bill14564]

I was just informed that they are doing the last car show this Saturday, I’m hoping it was bad information.

I was under the impression it was the final show before the revitalization work but that they would come back after the work was done. I don't remember where I saw that and I don't know if it is true but there is hope.

[Stu from NYC]

Spanish Springs is for the old, old, old people.it wont change till they are gone.

They might be replaced by other older people

[tophcfa]

I was just informed that they are doing the last car show this Saturday, I’m hoping it was bad information.

I was under the impression it was the final show before the revitalization work but that they would come back after the work was done. I don't remember where I saw that and I don't know if it is true but there is hope.

There was an article in the Daily Sun last month that indicated the long running monthly cruise in was being discontinued. If my memory is correct, there was no mention of it starting back up again after the planned work on the square is completed. I certainly hope it comes back, my wife and I very much enjoyed checking out all the beautiful old model cars. More importantly, why bother to spend money revitalizing the square if they keep discontinuing the events that draw people there. People aren’t going to go to the square to see updated entry points and reimagined store fronts, they go to for the entertainment, including special events like the cruise in.

[Bill14564]

There was an article in the Daily Sun last month that indicated the long running monthly cruise in was being discontinued. If my memory is correct, there was no mention of it starting back up again after the planned work on the square is completed. I certainly hope it comes back, my wife and I very much enjoyed checking out all the beautiful old model cars. More importantly, why bother to spend money revitalizing the square if they keep discontinuing the events that draw people there. People aren’t going to go to the square to see updated entry points and reimagined store fronts, they go to for the entertainment, including special events like the cruise in.

I saw it in an article in the news source which shall not be named. The statement was that the event will be on hold while the renovations take place. That implies they will resume afterwards but it is not a definitive statement or authorized source of information.

[thelegges]

I saw it in an article in the news source which shall not be named. The statement was that the event will be on hold while the renovations take place. That implies they will resume afterwards but it is not a definitive statement or authorized source of information.

There was always lots of foot traffic, but How much $$ actually spent in business around SS during car shows? For years SS car events have been well attended, yet businesses continue to vacate the square. Even with possible higher rent, if Business is profitable they will continue to serve the residents. If a large event shuts down a square, that isn’t beneficial to local businesses, how does event contribute to keeping SS vibrant.

For years we attended SS car shows 1-2 times a year. But our memory is very good, and it’s the same cars event after event. Rarely a change, even if a car is sold it remains the same car, just a different person sitting in the chair next to it.

Maybe TV Event Planner thinks the Renovations will take more than a year, and some won’t remember where or when the car show was but just an event from their past.

[Marathon Man]

There was always lots of foot traffic, but How much $$ actually spent in business around SS during car shows? For years SS car events have been well attended, yet businesses continue to vacate the square. Even with possible higher rent, if Business is profitable they will continue to serve the residents. If a large event shuts down a square, that isn’t beneficial to local businesses, how does event contribute to keeping SS vibrant.

For years we attended SS car shows 1-2 times a year. But our memory is very good, and it’s the same cars event after event. Rarely a change, even if a car is sold it remains the same car, just a different person sitting in the chair next to it.

Maybe TV Event Planner thinks the Renovations will take more than a year, and some won’t remember where or when the car show was but just an event from their past.

An old Spanish Springs story. A lot of people want to enjoy what SS provides, but do not want to spend any money. It's why things go away.

[thelegges]

An old Spanish Springs story. A lot of people want to enjoy what SS provides, but do not want to spend any money. It's why things go away.

The crowds of 2004-2007 in SS will never return. Too many places to access, younger residents leave the bubble in far greater numbers for better restaurants, and retail.

[Inspector Mark]

Does anyone have a link to info regarding the planned improvements to Spanish Springs.

[HappyTraveler]

Does anyone have a link to info regarding the planned improvements to Spanish Springs.
Comment # 63.

[FloridaGuy66]

An old Spanish Springs story. A lot of people want to enjoy what SS provides, but do not want to spend any money. It's why things go away.

The same thing has been happening to many smaller coastal Florida towns that were booming in the 80's-90's. The older people are either dead or not spending much money. Sure there's a small percentage of "younger" retirees buying their homes, but it's way less than it was.

Spanish Springs will surely die out and the developer will sell off the area on the other side of 441 to another trailer park company.

[Jayhawk]

Spanish Springs will surely die out and the developer will sell off the area on the other side of 441 to another trailer park company.

What exactly will "the developer" sell, since likely every home and lot is privately owned?

[HappyTraveler]

What exactly will "the developer" sell, since likely every home and lot is privately owned?
Yes, exactly. It's amazing how often people simply make-up stuff, that they actually believe, and pass it off as real. Smh, where's the down vote button on here?

Intelligently, the upcoming upgrades to SS will include expanding more seated outdoor food/beverage places. Blondies is full every night so, they will run with that concept to meet the demand..

[tophcfa]

Could a big part of the problem be that people don’t go there because the area doesn’t any longer get the prime entertainment that draws people there? The weekly farmers market used to fill the square every week since people always need fresh fruit and vegetables. That was moved to Brownwood and replaced with a weekly crafts fair with the same stuff every week that people don’t need. The Cruise In, which appears to be discounted going forward, was another big draw. The entertainment schedule for next month just came out, and Relic, which is probably the biggest draw, is scheduled three times, Lake Sumter, Brownwood, and Sawgrass, but not Spanish Springs. People don’t show up at the town squares on a regular basis just to walk around, they want entertainment. The St. Patrick’s event last March proves that people will go to Spanish Springs if they have prime events, yet the area keeps getting under emphasized. Take away the best entertainment and you take away the traffic. I fear Spanish Springs will get shortchanged even worse when Eastport opens up.

[Bill14564]

Could a big part of the problem be that people don’t go there because the area doesn’t any longer get the prime entertainment that draws people there? The weekly farmers market used to fill the square every week since people always need fresh fruit and vegetables. That was moved to Brownwood and replaced with a weekly crafts fair with the same stuff every week that people don’t need. The Cruise In, which appears to be discounted going forward, was another big draw. The entertainment schedule for next month just came out, and Relic, which is probably the biggest draw, is scheduled three times, Lake Sumter, Brownwood, and Sawgrass, but not Spanish Springs. People don’t show up at the town squares on a regular basis just to walk around, they want entertainment. The St. Patrick’s event last March proves that people will go to Spanish Springs if they have prime events, yet the area keeps getting under emphasized. Take away the best entertainment and you take away the traffic. I fear Spanish Springs will get shortchanged even worse when Eastport opens up.

I believe you are probably correct. Kind of a catch-22 situation: Lack of activities drives low attendance while low attendance "proves" that activities aren't popular. Hopefully, the refresh will attract more visits with bands and activities following soon after.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The same thing has been happening to many smaller coastal Florida towns that were booming in the 80's-90's. The older people are either dead or not spending much money. Sure there's a small percentage of "younger" retirees buying their homes, but it's way less than it was.

Spanish Springs will surely die out and the developer will sell off the area on the other side of 441 to another trailer park company.

The Developer has no ownership in any of the other side of 441, besides the Country club (the 18-hole golf course, adjacent pool, the building where the restaurant is, and the parking lot). The restaurant is run by FMK, which is not the Developer, but the Developer owns the building.

The Paradise Rec Center, Silver Lake Rec Center, Hilltop Pool, and Southside Pool are all amenities, and not owned by the Developer. The homes themselves are owned by homeowners, not the Developer, and the land is not leased.

[Marathon Man]

The Developer has no ownership in any of the other side of 441, besides the Country club (the 18-hole golf course, adjacent pool, the building where the restaurant is, and the parking lot). The restaurant is run by FMK, which is not the Developer, but the Developer owns the building.

The Paradise Rec Center, Silver Lake Rec Center, Hilltop Pool, and Southside Pool are all amenities, and not owned by the Developer. The homes themselves are owned by homeowners, not the Developer, and the land is not leased.

All correct. It's nice to hear from a well-informed resident.