Brownwood soft opening Friday10/12?

[billethkid]

my info is third hand ....at best. But supposedly "retailers" are passing the word of an opening ceremony Friday mid afternoon (4-5 PM).

I suspect if there is it will be in the paper or some "official" conveyance tomorrow. Last minute announcements allow for adjustment/cancellation......I guess.

Anybody else heard the unofficial chatter?

btk

[cquick]

my info is third hand ....at best. But supposedly "retailers" are passing the word of an opening ceremony Friday mid afternoon (4-5 PM).

I suspect if there is it will be in the paper or some "official" conveyance tomorrow. Last minute announcements allow for adjustment/cancellation......I guess.

Anybody else heard the unofficial chatter?

btk

if they are having a soft opening, what good would it do them without some PR? I really haven't heard anything nor seen anything new in the paper....hmmmmmmmm

[tghoul]

As of 9:00 AM this morning the barriers were still up near the 466A tunnel.
There has been talk on this site regarding the Wildwood Farmers Market being set up in Brownwood on Oct. 13.
There is a plant sale in Wildwood this Saturday at the site of the farmers market. Is this a one time
occurence at Brownwood due to the plant sale or is it full time?

[cquick]

I will be going to the plant sale! Isn't it being sponsored by the Master Gardeners? I hope there are some butterfly host and nectar plants!

[asianthree]

barriers still up as of 10:44

[nonseniorresident]

Confirmed 100% open this Friday 10/12 with entertainment and all! The band is Garrett Miles, who is also scheduled the following day at Spanish Springs.

[Chuckw]

My understanding of a "soft opening" is one that is done without advertising or other fanfare. Those who learn of it will be there and allow them to "work the kinks out" BEFORE the official opening. This is practiced by many restaurants... I have never seen a "soft opening" advertised.

[nonseniorresident]

My understanding of a "soft opening" is one that is done without advertising or other fanfare. Those who learn of it will be there and allow them to "work the kinks out" BEFORE the official opening. This is practiced by many restaurants... I have never seen a "soft opening" advertised.

You are correct sir.

[Ooper]

I agree... a soft opening is usually open only to invited people to work out the kinks. It's not usually advertised until a hard or grand opening in scheduled.

[NotGolfer]

When indeed it does open, think we'll wait a few days so the crowds thin out a bit. When Mall of America opened, there was wall to wall people to the point of it being a claustrophobic experience!! I suspect that this opening will be somewhat the same.......

[The Shadow]

Confirmed 100% open this Friday 10/12 with entertainment and all! The band is Garrett Miles, who is also scheduled the following day at Spanish Springs.
Just wanted you to know at least one person read your post.

[PaPaLarry]

Beside the entertainment, is there anything else going to be open?? Restaurants?? Cocktails? Etc, Etc, Etc????

[shalomuall]

Bobby, our sales person is in the band and he said Friday is the day they will perform there. Too bad we are back in VA.

[billethkid]

well I guess we'll see if there is anything in the happy paper tomorrow.
They must figure everybody is just sitting around with an empty calendar waiting for the Brownwood date and time. We didn't for LSL and we certainly are not for Brownwood. It will be there and we have no desire to have to be there day one or week one.

LSL 2 minutes from my house.....Brownwood 13.675 minutes from my house....no contest!!!!

btk

[Gat0r]

I'll be going over to the 466a tunnel later will report back-over

[rubicon]

Don't care

[Golfingnut]

I'll be going over to the 466a tunnel later will report back-over

Thanks, I do care

[gomoho]

Don't care

Well a lot of us do so don't rain on our parade.:girlneener:

[scrapple]

I'll be going over to the 466a tunnel later will report back-over

I'm curious about how much of the path is open these days. Only recently there were barricades preventing golf cart access to Buena Vista south of 466a
I also tried access from Pinnellas, but was blocked there as well.

Where can we go today? :crap2:

[Gat0r]

:crap2:Blocked as of 10:00 pm 10/10 over

[elevatorman]

Movie times are listed on Fandango for Friday. Barnstorm Theater Showtimes and Tickets (http://www.fandango.com/barnstormtheater_aawub/theaterpage?date=10/12/2012)

[nonseniorresident]

Beside the entertainment, is there anything else going to be open?? Restaurants?? Cocktails? Etc, Etc, Etc????

Tomorrow there will be live entertainment like the other squares...they'll be showing some movies too. They will have bars setup for cocktails and no restaurants yet but there will be vendors for food.

[Pturner]

Two of the restaurants, City Fire and Bobalou's BBQ, are selling from temporary quarters near the square (behind the bleachers) with a few outside tables.

[Casino]

Offically Friday at 9 AM

[Mimivillager]

Still wondering if the cart paths will be open??

[ricthemic]

Still wondering if the cart paths will be open??

Good question. Will the golf carts to brownwood be open today?

[justjim]

Villages do it differently! Brownwood opening in ds this morning but not a big splash on the front page. Yes, you would think there would would be information about the golf trails?

[rhredd1654]

Barnstorm Theater opening today, per the Sun.

[Taltarzac725]

Barnstorm Theater opening today, per the Sun.

Interesting how the Villages Daily Sun did the page D3 Lifestyles movie and entertainment times. Do need my magnifine glass for the 24 movie posters though.

[Bogie Shooter]

Ah, Brownwood is opening..........let the criticisms begin.

[keithwand]

Shhhhh.

[tghoul]

As of 8:45 AM the cart path was open. It took 16 minutes to travel from Sterling Heights Rec Center (St. James) to the Barnstorm movie theater.

[justjim]

As of 8:45 AM the cart path was open. It took 16 minutes to travel from Sterling Heights Rec Center (St. James) to the Barnstorm movie theater.

Thanks for posting this information! :bigbow:

[bike42]

Does anyone know of Wildwood Growers Market will be at Brownwood tomorrow (Saturday AM?) I heard they are moving the market there (from the Courthouse Square location). Tomorrow or next week? I wish it was getting more publicity. Please support them when they come!!!

[2catsmeow]

Big ad on page A7 in today's Daily Sun about 'Brownwood Farmers Market' every Saturday (starting tomorrow) at the Paddock Square in Brownwood. 35 local vendors - so I imagine this is the former Wildwood Farmers market. It is supposed to be open from 9-2

[mandmrem]

It's in the paper today (10/12/12) -- Brownwood opens today .... but is the cart path open?



if they are having a soft opening, what good would it do them without some PR? I really haven't heard anything nor seen anything new in the paper....hmmmmmmmm

[DGx2]

Brownwood opening tonight, it's in the paper. Anyone know if you can get there by cart? Tried last weekend but couldn't get all the way there.

[mulligan]

Check post # 32

[billethkid]

from an email from a reliable source:

"...Those of you that are familiar with a "soft opening" know that there will be no advertising of this... it is a way to let those who know about it participate while they work the "kinks" out... a formal ribbon-cutting grand opening will follow at a later date...."

Those who do venture down yonder, keep in mind "Brownwood open" is not exactly correct.....it is only phase I of who knows how many, so there will be areas of in-completeness looking with construction around the edges.

For those who gotta go, have fun and let us know what you think.

As an aside, if you watched the video....I think episode 10 where they update Brownwood progress; I found it very unusual that the Morse family did the interview. They have been since the beginning a very low profile, little if any publicity, rare to even ever see a photo of them. And now a full blown happy family venue promoting Brownwood. There are not very many actions taken by the developer family that are inconsistent...this interview is....in my opinion. While it was interesting, I wonder why now? (not intended to be a negative aspect what so ever, I am always intrigued by changes to a methodology).

btk

[Patty55]

As an aside, if you watched the video....I think episode 10 where they update Brownwood progress; I found it very unusual that the Morse family did the interview. They have been since the beginning a very low profile, little if any publicity, rare to even ever see a photo of them. And now a full blown happy family venue promoting Brownwood. There are not very many actions taken by the developer family that are inconsistent...this interview is....in my opinion. While it was interesting, I wonder why now? (not intended to be a negative aspect what so ever, I am always intrigued by changes to a methodology).

btk

I found it odd too, almost bordered on pandering. (God knows theses people don't need to.) I get the impression that the Brownwood name has a very emotional attachment to these people and frankly I find the name a bit bland, not in character with the rest of the joint.

[bike42]

from an email from a reliable source:

" . . .
As an aside, if you watched the video....I think episode 10 where they update Brownwood progress; I found it very unusual that the Morse family did the interview. They have been since the beginning a very low profile, little if any publicity, rare to even ever see a photo of them. And now a full blown happy family venue promoting Brownwood. There are not very many actions taken by the developer family that are inconsistent...this interview is....in my opinion. While it was interesting, I wonder why now? (not intended to be a negative aspect what so ever, I am always intrigued by changes to a methodology).

btk

Gary Morse is the family member who is never seen. His son (Mark) and daughters are very visible, do the yearly town meeting, and show up in many of the V-Mail videos.

[Bogie Shooter]

Brownwood opening tonight, it's in the paper. Anyone know if you can get there by cart? Tried last weekend but couldn't get all the way there.

read earlier posts.....................

[Mimivillager]

As of 8:45 AM the cart path was open. It took 16 minutes to travel from Sterling Heights Rec Center (St. James) to the Barnstorm movie theater.

How fast does your cart go? Mine goes the LEGAL 19.9 mph. Can I get there in 16 minutes?

[justjim]

How fast does your cart go? Mine goes the LEGAL 19.9 mph. Can I get there in 16 minutes?

Just got back from Brownwood to Village of Sanibel right at 15 minutes @ 20 mph. Brownwood is a great addition to TV and will be even more so when completed.

[bluedog103]

I was at Brownwood this morning. Nice but not much is open. Just the bank, cart store, Logo store (like the mercantile) and theater. A barbque trailer is set up and a stand for City Fire. The barbque trailer and City Fire stand were not open but will probably be open this afternoon. There is construction going on at the real City Fire but I didn't see any indication of anything else on the way.

[DandyGirl]

Just got back from Brownwood. As earlier stated all TV owned things are up and running. There will be entertainment tonight with a show by TV Twirlers and Cheerleaders at 6:00. Not sure if I like the bleacher seating although it is nice that it is covered seating.

[billethkid]

bleacher seating...looks nice...nice concept....impractical for TV!!
if your there early slide to the middle
if ya gotta go potty and are not on the end, oh my!!:mad:
if you want to go get a drink refil...uh-oh
if you want to save seats for the neighborhood....:22yikes:
Hopefully the powers that be will also provide the usual chairs

btk

[foxmeadow]

bleacher seating...looks nice...nice concept....impractical for TV!!
if your there early slide to the middle
if ya gotta go potty and are not on the end, oh my!!:mad:
if you want to go get a drink refil...uh-oh
if you want to save seats for the neighborhood....:22yikes:
Hopefully the powers that be will also provide the usual chairs

btk

The chairs are there and I just roped off 20 of them.

[Bogie Shooter]

The secret is out...............now we know!

[Mikeod]

The chairs are there and I just roped off 20 of them.
I really hope you're kidding and forgot the smiley at the end. :pray:

[Mudder]

To rope off 20 chairs is very selfish.

[TunaFish]

Just got back from Brownwood's 'soft' opening (Fri. Oct. 12th). YES, the golf cart path is open all the way. My observation's: very pretty but much smaller than I anticipated. If this Square is to accommodate all those living south of 466A & Wildwood, in my opinion, the Villages should have made it much larger. The 2 bar huts are open & Babaloo's BBQ & City Fire had food stands. The stadium seating is fine for those who can climb stairs but once the stands (there are only TWO of them) are full and the fold-up chairs are given out (for those who prefer to sit on the flat ground), there's hardly any room for people to dance. The entertainment stage faces the stands. You cannot see the performers from the backside of the stage. Parking is the pits, even if you're in a golf cart. Loved the movie theatre and the Villages sales office interior was spectacular (of course!)....

[gomoho]

Excuse my ignorance, but how do you get there on a golf cart path from Morse Blvd?

[tommy steam]

The chairs are there and I just roped off 20 of them.

:ohdear:

[tghoul]

Excuse my ignorance, but how do you get there on a golf cart path from Morse Blvd?

Cross under 466A at the tunnel by the Colony sports pool. Make a right and go pass the old Sarasota driving range and take the tunnel under Morse. After that there are currently two options, either go left or right as you exit the tunnel. Option 1 make a left and take Morse south to Pinnellas Place (first road you encounter), then head west until you reach Buena Vista. Head south on the Buena Vista cart path and you will run into Brownwood. The second option is when you emerge from the Morse tunnel you make a right and follow the cart path that parallels 466A. It will take you to Buena Vista and you can follow the Buena Vista path south to Brownwood.

[Pturner]

Rather than putting out the chairs in advance, they gave chairs to people as they came in. This prevented seat saving and was a great idea, IMO. Also, IMO, the bleachers are easy to maneuver through. The country band was very good and so appropriate for the opening night of Brownwood. They even wrote and performed a song about the new town square.

The line at the two bars was long but the bars were well staffed and the wait was not long at around 5:15 p.m. City Fire and Bobalou's did an excellent job of moving people along from their temporary outdoor quarters.

Love the windmill to the left of the seating area! As previously noted, the theater and Sales Office are beautiful.

There has been speculation that the new square would serve mainly young people from Wildwood and other neighboring towns. It appeared to be all Villagers tonight and everyone appeared to be having a great time, as was I.

[buzzy]

Yes, the folding chairs cut down on the dance area. Seems that there is only one main street for stores, and nothing but parking lots along the side streets. Since there is parking on all sides, I thought it would be ample, but a ways to walk from the car/cart.

[FMF Doc]

Rather than putting out the chairs in advance, they gave chairs to people who as they came in. This prevented seat saving and was a great idea, IMO. Also, IMO, the bleachers are easy to maneuver through. The country band was very good and so appropriate for the opening night of Brownwood. They even wrote and performed a song about the new town square.

The line at the two bars was long but the bars were well staffed and the wait was not long at around 5:15 p.m. City Fire and Bobalou's did an excellent job of moving people along from their temporary outdoor quarters.

Love the windmill to the left of the seating area! As previously noted, the theater and Sales Office are beautiful.

There has been speculation that the new square would serve mainly young people from Wildwood and other neighboring towns. It appeared to be all Villagers tonight and everyone appeared to be having a great time, as was I.

Thanks for the update.......

[elevatorman]

Excuse my ignorance, but how do you get there on a golf cart path from Morse Blvd?

You have to cut across from Morse to Buena Vista. If you go south of 466A Pinnelas is the cut across. If you are north of 466A, I would get over to BV and travel down BV to Brownwood.

[nitehawk]

The chairs are there and I just roped off 20 of them.

excellent :bigbow:

[billethkid]

the speculation that Brownwood is for young people and surrounding community is an interesting thought, but certainly is incorrect. The squares are built for the residents.

btk

[aln]

the speculation that Brownwood is for young people and surrounding community is an interesting thought, but certainly is incorrect. The squares are built for the residents.

btk


BTK - Yes it's Villager accessible but I think geared to visitors. . . note the line setup for the huts . . . looks a little like WDW & Universal

[Happinow]

For those of you who have been to Brownwood, do you think it's going to be as big as Sumter? Were there many buildings for future stores and restaurants? From the sound of it, it seems to be a bit underwhelming compared to the other squares. I want to check it out when it gets a bit more up and running. Thanks for your opinion.

[Roaddog53]

Lets not all whine yet. It IS just barely opened! People whined the whole time waiting for it to open an snow they whine because there seems to be not enough or as big as the other squares. It just opened! For those who were there it can be seen more areas for growth. The grass behind the stands area, the large area where construction equipment were behind the green fence. If they waited for everything to be built, it would not open until next year. Than more whining why it does not open. Now there is people asking why just TV businesses open?
It appears to me that the ample parking means much more to come.
The best part was the handing out of chairs! Somehow I doubt that will continue over time, but the thought/concept is GREAT to keep people from saving chairs.
Looks good to me so far. Just think of it. Where else in this country does a new town get built for its residence to enjoy. Kudos to the Morse family.

[Patty55]

BTK - Yes it's Villager accessible but I think geared to visitors. . . note the line setup for the huts . . . looks a little like WDW & Universal

I remember reading somewhere that some of the original design work for TV was done by the same people who did Universal.

[graciegirl]

I remember reading somewhere that some of the original design work for TV was done by the same people who did Universal.

I heard it was Disney designers who designed Spanish Springs, but that is just quoting oft repeated stories. I don't know for sure.

WHEN did Spanish Springs open???? It has to be somewhere in the last fifteen years because we came here to look at this place with some friends and I was NOT impressed. Not much there at Spanish Springs when we first visited.

Now just look at me. Impressed just isn't the word.

[Bogie Shooter]

Lets not all whine yet. It IS just barely opened! People whined the whole time waiting for it to open an snow they whine because there seems to be not enough or as big as the other squares. It just opened! For those who were there it can be seen more areas for growth. The grass behind the stands area, the large area where construction equipment were behind the green fence. If they waited for everything to be built, it would not open until next year. Than more whining why it does not open. Now there is people asking why just TV businesses open?
It appears to me that the ample parking means much more to come.
The best part was the handing out of chairs! Somehow I doubt that will continue over time, but the thought/concept is GREAT to keep people from saving chairs.
Looks good to me so far. Just think of it. Where else in this country does a new town get built for its residence to enjoy. Kudos to the Morse family.

There are always some who are never happy.

[graciegirl]

There are always some who are never happy.


I have a friend on TOTV who says often

"Patience, Grasshopper."

And I am going to quote him.

I just did.