Trader Joe's at Brownwood

[JP]

I recently heard from an extremely good source that there will be a Trader Joe's built on the vacant land West of Brownwood. She also said there will be a Macy's and possibly a Sears. I know people hate rumors but......I think this source is good and wouldn't it be great if it were true.

[Joanned]

Fabulous Almost too good to be true, but I'll keep my fingers crossed

[DougB]

Don't really care myself. If I wanted all that, I would Have stayed where I was.

[golf2140]

Don't really care myself. If I wanted all that, I would Have stayed where I was.


Doug,

Well said. People move here then want what they moved from. Were retired, don't need all that crap. But were guy's !!!

[buggyone]

I recently heard from an extremely good source that there will be a Trader Joe's built on the vacant land West of Brownwood. She also said there will be a Macy's and possibly a Sears. I know people hate rumors but......I think this source is good and wouldn't it be great if it were true.

I heard the same thing from a realtor outside The Villages. The Macy's will be the anchor store as of now but that could change in favor of Nordstrom's.

Just think what that will do for land prices East of Wildwood - but also could drive our property taxes sky-high due to much higher values of the homes driven by sales prices of homes. Supply and demand.

[kittygilchrist]

I just built in Gilchrist. Spoke to a farmer selling corn on the roadside near Oxford yesterday, 80 years old, said he's happy about all the building up because people here have work and sources of income as never in his lifetime.

[Serenoa]

Sears is about to go belly up. I'll be really surprised if that part of the rumor is true.

[Polar Bear]

Doug,

Well said. People move here then want what they moved from. Were retired, don't need all that crap...

I don't know. I think you can want what TV has to offer and still want "all that crap." :^)

[mrfixit]

Sears is about to go belly up. I'll be really surprised if that part of the rumor is true.

:agree:......well at least partially agree.

Do not wish for them to go belly up.........BUT......
................since I just "SHORTED" SHC ..certainly hope
their stock drops about 20% by mid-summer.
(shur beets wurkin' fer a livin')

[Russ_Boston]

I heard the same thing from a realtor outside The Villages. The Macy's will be the anchor store as of now but that could change in favor of Nordstrom's.

Just think what that will do for land prices East of Wildwood - but also could drive our property taxes sky-high.

Could you detail why you think taxes would go up? Usually a solid commercial base helps to maintain current rates.

I don't think it will be Sears. They're not really in an expansion phase!

[DianeM]

I think a Trader Joe's would be terrific. Macy's isn't a bad thing either. Hope this is true. As for property taxes going up, I don't see why they would. Usually the stores pay a huge chunk in taxes.

[rockyisle]

I would be thrilled if TJ's came to TV. I didn't come here to just shop at Publix. We will be a "city" of more than 100,000 residents. You need good commercial companies to sustain the area. I, for one, hope those rumors are true!!!

[asianthree]

Depends on the rent if they come

[carm310]

Doing the happy dance if this is true! :pepper2: So many people have contacted Trader Joe's asking them to build in The Villages. I love the quality, convenience and reasonable pricing TJ's offers...and let's not forget the wine at great prices!

[Bonny]

I can't imagine any big box store such as Macys coming anywhere near Brownwood. I don't ever see that happening. These rumors have been going on for years.
The malls in Leesburg and Ocala are always struggling and they are on major roads.
The Villages could not support these stores. If they ever came this way it would be on a major road like 441.

[Madelaine Amee]

I can't imagine any big box store such as Macys coming anywhere near Brownwood. I don't ever see that happening. These rumors have been going on for years.
The malls in Leesburg and Ocala are always struggling and they are on major roads.
The Villages could not support these stores. If they ever came this way it would be on a major road like 441.

Agree - and as for Nordstroms coming this way, I think that is more than a reach. I don't think Macy's or Dillards will come here. After all, it's only 18 miles to Ocala and you have all the stores you could possibly need, and then how far is it to the Nordstroms mall in Orlando ................. To me, that's a dream on situation.

[Phanatic Luvr]

I can't imagine any big box store such as Macys coming anywhere near Brownwood. I don't ever see that happening. These rumors have been going on for years.
The malls in Leesburg and Ocala are always struggling and they are on major roads.
The Villages could not support these stores. If they ever came this way it would be on a major road like 441.

Not necessarily true. Where I moved from, Wesley Chapel, Florida, an hour south, on the small rural corner of Bruce B. Downs Blvd and SR56 opened a JC Penneys story back in about 2007. It took about 3 more years to complete the project but up strung the Wiregrass Mall with Macy's and Dillards as the 3 anchor stores and a good deal of the most popular other stores like Pottery Barn, Coldwater Creek, J.Jill, etc... The intersection went from 2 lanes in all directions to now 6 and even 8 lanes in all directions. It caused growing pains in that area with traffic confusion but it is all complete now and traffic flows freely.

[KathieI]

Don't really care myself. If I wanted all that, I would Have stayed where I was.

Totally agree. TJ was across the street from my house and I rarely went in there to shop. Costco's was a mile away as was many, many other stores, and I rarely used them also. If I want to go to these stores, I'll drive.

[Tweety Bird]

Don't really care myself. If I wanted all that, I would Have stayed where I was.

You wouldn't be my type. LOL ;-)

[graciegirl]

I have never been in a Trader Joe's and am curious to see how it could be better than Publix which I love. I am a person who really enjoys food shopping and cooking.

When I ask people what they love about Trader Joes I am stuck with an image like the blind man describing the elephant.

People talk about ethnic food and already prepared food cheaper than Fresh Market, not very big place, unusual items, two dollar wine, and not very big store ...most repeat that twice, it isn't very big and has hard to find stuff. I am totally curious but am looking forward to the experience since I have not yet heard any bad comments.

I am from Cincinnati, birthplace of Barney Kroger. You gotta work hard to beat a Kroger superstore, but I have grown to love Publix.

[Bogie Shooter]

If you believe any of this rumor........I have some beautiful water front land for sale in south Florida.

[Baileysmom]

I would be happy if Trader Joes came to the Villages. They are afforable and have some interesting choices.

[ilovetv]

I can't imagine any big box store such as Macys coming anywhere near Brownwood. I don't ever see that happening. These rumors have been going on for years.
The malls in Leesburg and Ocala are always struggling and they are on major roads.
The Villages could not support these stores. If they ever came this way it would be on a major road like 441.

Both the Florida Turnpike and I-75 are just a couple of miles from Brownwood. We drive thru Brownwood to get to the turnpike to go 35 miles south to shop in Winter Garden Village--specifically for HomeGoods-Marshalls--or to Marketplace at Dr. Phillips Blvd. outside Orlando, where there is SteinMart, Whole Foods etc. in that area. HomeGoods at Winter Garden Village has told me they have literally car-loads of shoppers from The Villages coming there. TV and surrounding area could more than support a place like WinterGarden Village and its stores/restaurants.

[Mack184]

I recently heard from an extremely good source that there will be a Trader Joe's built on the vacant land West of Brownwood. She also said there will be a Macy's and possibly a Sears. I know people hate rumors but......I think this source is good and wouldn't it be great if it were true.
Did you hear this from the janitor at Publix or the waitress at Denny's?

[Bonny]

Both the Florida Turnpike and I-75 are just a couple of miles from Brownwood. We drive thru Brownwood to get to the turnpike to go 35 miles south to shop in Winter Garden Village--specifically for HomeGoods-Marshalls--or to Marketplace at Dr. Phillips Blvd. outside Orlando, where there is SteinMart, Whole Foods etc. in that area. HomeGoods at Winter Garden Village has told me they have literally car-loads of shoppers from The Villages coming there. TV and surrounding area could more than support a place like WinterGarden Village and its stores/restaurants.

This would be fine for Villagers, but it won't attract many outsiders to the Brownwood area. These stores are in business to make money and the Villages wouldn't come close to supporting these types of stores.

[mickey100]

Both the Florida Turnpike and I-75 are just a couple of miles from Brownwood. We drive thru Brownwood to get to the turnpike to go 35 miles south to shop in Winter Garden Village--specifically for HomeGoods-Marshalls--or to Marketplace at Dr. Phillips Blvd. outside Orlando, where there is SteinMart, Whole Foods etc. in that area. HomeGoods at Winter Garden Village has told me they have literally car-loads of shoppers from The Villages coming there. TV and surrounding area could more than support a place like WinterGarden Village and its stores/restaurants.


We know a lot of Villagers that go to Orlando specifically because of those stores. Given residents in The Villages, Leesburg and Wildwood, I wouldn't be surprised if the stores could do well in Brownwood.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Could you detail why you think taxes would go up? Usually a solid commercial base helps to maintain current rates.

I don't think it will be Sears. They're not really in an expansion phase!

I think that he's thinking that property values will go up. Even if tax rates stay the same people will pay lore because their properties are valued higher.

[Mack184]

I think that he's thinking that property values will go up. Even if tax rates stay the same people will pay lore because their properties are valued higher.
Which of course means that the people who live in Sumter county who are not in TV will hate the Villagers even more than the already do.

[justjim]

Which of course means that the people who live in Sumter county who are not in TV will hate the Villagers even more than the already do.

Mack: I know many people in Sumter County are grateful for TV because they have more opportunity for employment. TV certainly changed Sumter County almost like Disney changed Orange County. Some people don't like change....

[Mikeod]

. HomeGoods at Winter Garden Village has told me they have literally car-loads of shoppers from The Villages coming there. TV and surrounding area could more than support a place like WinterGarden Village and its stores/restaurants.
And there is the reason they won't put a store here soon. If residents are willing to drive to those locations to shop, why build another store with all the added expenses? Would the overall sales go up enough to cover the new store and replace the lost sales at the existing store?

Now, if the existing stores became inadequate to serve the demand, then it may be prudent to investigate the advantage of a store in or around TV.

[l2ridehd]

Traders Joe's is OK and would probably go there, but if I could chose a couple stores I would like to see. Wegmans and Costco would be my choice. Wegmans would put Publix and Sweet Bay out of business.

[applesoffh]

I can't imagine any big box store such as Macys coming anywhere near Brownwood. I don't ever see that happening. These rumors have been going on for years.
The malls in Leesburg and Ocala are always struggling and they are on major roads.
The Villages could not support these stores. If they ever came this way it would be on a major road like 441.

Agree!

[Gongy]

I can tell you what Trader Joes is all about. I have shopped there for years and that is the one store that I miss and would love to have here in The Villages.
If you want to shop in a store that only carries healthy items, then Trader Joes is for you. When I left NY and moved to Richmond VA, there were no Trader Joes in VA. Myself and many others wrote Trader Joes and after a few years they finally opened one up. Once they opened, I went there and asked if someone from the store would come to my 55 and up development and give a presentation on what they have to offer. They agreed and told all that attended what they are all about. Its not just their wine (2 buck chuck), which by the way is called Charles Shaw and its not $2 in VA, its $3.75. Their meats, fruits and vegetables are pesticide free, antibiotic free, and everything is organic, without paying the Whole Foods price. One thing that stuck with me from their presentation is that any product you buy from them, look at the ingredients label and there will never be a word you cannot pronounce or understand. If you ask them to carry an item, they look it up and check it out and if there are ingredients in it that are not healthy they will tell you no. One example of many is, bread crumbs. Check out your label on the bread crumbs you have in your pantry, Progresso Italian Bread Crumbs has close to 75 ingredients, seriously its bread crumbs. Trader Joes bread crumbs has 5 ingredients and add 5 spices and you have a total of 10 ingredients.
This store is not for all, not everyone really cares if what they are eating is good for them or not, you will never find food that is fried in Trader Joes.
When you look around The Villages, what you see are many people living a very healthy lifestyle, this is why I think Trader Joes is a perfect fit for us. One last thing is that you cannot beat their prices!






I have never been in a Trader Joe's and am curious to see how it could be better than Publix which I love. I am a person who really enjoys food shopping and cooking.

When I ask people what they love about Trader Joes I am stuck with an image like the blind man describing the elephant.

People talk about ethnic food and already prepared food cheaper than Fresh Market, not very big place, unusual items, two dollar wine, and not very big store ...most repeat that twice, it isn't very big and has hard to find stuff. I am totally curious but am looking forward to the experience since I have not yet heard any bad comments.

I am from Cincinnati, birthplace of Barney Kroger. You gotta work hard to beat a Kroger superstore, but I have grown to love Publix.

[Mack184]

Mack: I know many people in Sumter County are grateful for TV because they have more opportunity for employment. TV certainly changed Sumter County almost like Disney changed Orange County. Some people don't like change....
Tell you what..I learned this early on. They might smile in your face and say thank-you, much like the farmers near the Hamptons in NY smile at the people out there, but behind your backs they DO NOT like us.

Many blame TVers for higher taxes, more congestion and so on and so forth. I also learned that when I go out seeking something outside of "the bubble" that if I don't wear the standard local "uniform" of white nikes, white socks, shorts and a snappy T or polo I get treated MUCH differently. If I put on my jeans, my Wolverine loggers and an old T-shirt and drive my pick-up and they think I'm a local, the treatment is very different. And in fact, I was told at two different places where they didn't think I was "one of them damn Villagers" that they automatically raised the prices if they thought that's where you came from.

Some may think that TV is good for them. Many, many, many do not. I was also told by one of the nearby radio station managers that they NEVER mention The Villages on air unless it's completely unavoidable, because their audience hates them.

[duffysmom]

If the rumor is true then I'm happy to live close to 466 and no 466A. Shopping malls are ugly; Morse Blvd and Buerna Vista would be the thru roads used by many shoppers and that alone is frightening. I'd rather see cows and horses on the land. :shrug:

[DougB]

If the rumor is true then I'm happy to live close to 466 and no 466A. Shopping malls are ugly; Morse Blvd and Buerna Vista would be the thru roads used by many shoppers and that alone is frightening. I'd rather see cows and horses on the land. :shrug:

Amen

[rubicon]

I can tell you what Trader Joes is all about. I have shopped there for years and that is the one store that I miss and would love to have here in The Villages.
If you want to shop in a store that only carries healthy items, then Trader Joes is for you. When I left NY and moved to Richmond VA, there were no Trader Joes in VA. Myself and many others wrote Trader Joes and after a few years they finally opened one up. Once they opened, I went there and asked if someone from the store would come to my 55 and up development and give a presentation on what they have to offer. They agreed and told all that attended what they are all about. Its not just their wine (2 buck chuck), which by the way is called Charles Shaw and its not $2 in VA, its $3.75. Their meats, fruits and vegetables are pesticide free, antibiotic free, and everything is organic, without paying the Whole Foods price. One thing that stuck with me from their presentation is that any product you buy from them, look at the ingredients label and there will never be a word you cannot pronounce or understand. If you ask them to carry an item, they look it up and check it out and if there are ingredients in it that are not healthy they will tell you no. One example of many is, bread crumbs. Check out your label on the bread crumbs you have in your pantry, Progresso Italian Bread Crumbs has close to 75 ingredients, seriously its bread crumbs. Trader Joes bread crumbs has 5 ingredients and add 5 spices and you have a total of 10 ingredients.
This store is not for all, not everyone really cares if what they are eating is good for them or not, you will never find food that is fried in Trader Joes.
When you look around The Villages, what you see are many people living a very healthy lifestyle, this is why I think Trader Joes is a perfect fit for us. One last thing is that you cannot beat their prices!

gongy: I respect everyhing you have said;albeit I have never been in a Trader Joe's. However Trader Joe's did have a salmonella breakout a few years back....I think it was their peanut butter.....just saying

[patfla06]

Not necessarily true. Where I moved from, Wesley Chapel, Florida, an hour south, on the small rural corner of Bruce B. Downs Blvd and SR56 opened a JC Penneys story back in about 2007. It took about 3 more years to complete the project but up strung the Wiregrass Mall with Macy's and Dillards as the 3 anchor stores and a good deal of the most popular other stores like Pottery Barn, Coldwater Creek, J.Jill, etc... The intersection went from 2 lanes in all directions to now 6 and even 8 lanes in all directions. It caused growing pains in that area with traffic confusion but it is all complete now and traffic flows freely.

Hi former neighbor! I currently live in Tampa Palms and hoping to sell our house soon.
Within 10 miles of being home the traffic (and crazy drivers) begin.

We moved here in 1997 and there were COWS where Lowes is now.
The "boom" feels like NY/NJ followed us.

I don't think mall like stores anywhere in T.V. would be good.

[Russ_Boston]

One example of many is, bread crumbs. Check out your label on the bread crumbs you have in your pantry, Progresso Italian Bread Crumbs has close to 75 ingredients, seriously its bread crumbs.

Yes Progresso is loaded with ingredients (just looked it up on-line) but you need not have a TJ's handy to find low ingredient bread crumbs. I have a box of 4C brand from Publix right in front of me with 5 basic ingredients and 5 spices (since it is a seasoned, not plain, box of breadcrumbs).

[Scouty]

If you stopped going to every store that had an outbreak of something or another, there wouldn't be any stores left to shop at.....

[patfla06]

Since I currently live in Tampa (until I sell) and have lived here 16 years, I have no problem once or twice a year coming back here to shop.
But I don't want to live next to shopping.

At our age, how much more STUFF do we need?

[NotGolfer]

I can tell you what Trader Joes is all about. I have shopped there for years and that is the one store that I miss and would love to have here in The Villages.
If you want to shop in a store that only carries healthy items, then Trader Joes is for you. When I left NY and moved to Richmond VA, there were no Trader Joes in VA. Myself and many others wrote Trader Joes and after a few years they finally opened one up. Once they opened, I went there and asked if someone from the store would come to my 55 and up development and give a presentation on what they have to offer. They agreed and told all that attended what they are all about. Its not just their wine (2 buck chuck), which by the way is called Charles Shaw and its not $2 in VA, its $3.75. Their meats, fruits and vegetables are pesticide free, antibiotic free, and everything is organic, without paying the Whole Foods price. One thing that stuck with me from their presentation is that any product you buy from them, look at the ingredients label and there will never be a word you cannot pronounce or understand. If you ask them to carry an item, they look it up and check it out and if there are ingredients in it that are not healthy they will tell you no. One example of many is, bread crumbs. Check out your label on the bread crumbs you have in your pantry, Progresso Italian Bread Crumbs has close to 75 ingredients, seriously its bread crumbs. Trader Joes bread crumbs has 5 ingredients and add 5 spices and you have a total of 10 ingredients.
This store is not for all, not everyone really cares if what they are eating is good for them or not, you will never find food that is fried in Trader Joes.
When you look around The Villages, what you see are many people living a very healthy lifestyle, this is why I think Trader Joes is a perfect fit for us. One last thing is that you cannot beat their prices!

I happen to be one of those individuals with food sensitivities. I find it difficult to find items that I need here in T.V. so have to drive (think gas prices) to Orlando or, one in a while, to Ocala to find the items I need. I don't "do" processed foods, but the organic range fed items without GMO's in them. If T.J.'s came to T.V. I'd be thrilled as they have a range of items with great prices that I would buy. Whole Foods is way too expensive in my humble opinion as are other health-food stores!!! I would expect "IF" this isn't a rumor that this store would always be busy!!!!

[mrsanborn]

Tell you what..I learned this early on. They might smile in your face and say thank-you, much like the farmers near the Hamptons in NY smile at the people out there, but behind your backs they DO NOT like us.

Many blame TVers for higher taxes, more congestion and so on and so forth. I also learned that when I go out seeking something outside of "the bubble" that if I don't wear the standard local "uniform" of white nikes, white socks, shorts and a snappy T or polo I get treated MUCH differently. If I put on my jeans, my Wolverine loggers and an old T-shirt and drive my pick-up and they think I'm a local, the treatment is very different. And in fact, I was told at two different places where they didn't think I was "one of them damn Villagers" that they automatically raised the prices if they thought that's where you came from.

Some may think that TV is good for them. Many, many, many do not. I was also told by one of the nearby radio station managers that they NEVER mention The Villages on air unless it's completely unavoidable, because their audience hates them.

What's on your snappy T that the non-bubblers would treat you so MUCH differently?

[JP]

Ok, I'll disclose where I heard this rumor from. I was talking to the shuttle driver that was driving us in the villages van to the airport and they had heard this "rumor" straight from one of the architects mouths that was designing the mall. Only time will tell.

[Barefoot]

What's on your snappy T that the non-bubblers would treat you so MUCH differently?

Good question .... Mack, tell us what's on your snappy T? :D:D

[DougB]

Ok, I'll disclose where I heard this rumor from. I was talking to the shuttle driver that was driving us in the villages van to the airport and they had heard this "rumor" straight from one of the architects mouths that was designing the mall. Only time will tell.

There you go, it wasn't the janitor at publix nor the server at Denny's. It was the Village van shuttle driver. It's TRUE!

[dominojc]

I've heard the same rumors and also the comment on what a detriment it might be to our unique little town center stores. Hope villagers will still support those.

[Bogie Shooter]

Which of course means that the people who live in Sumter county who are not in TV will hate the Villagers even more than the already do.

I think that so much B.S.!

[billethkid]

I've heard the same rumors and also the comment on what a detriment it might be to our unique little town center stores. Hope villagers will still support those.


These things just get better and better as they unfold!

Please enlighten us as to what could be viewed as a "detriment"? And what have you heard about TV that one state..."Hope villagers will still support those."?

btk

[Bogie Shooter]

Tell you what..I learned this early on. They might smile in your face and say thank-you, much like the farmers near the Hamptons in NY smile at the people out there, but behind your backs they DO NOT like us.

Many blame TVers for higher taxes, more congestion and so on and so forth. I also learned that when I go out seeking something outside of "the bubble" that if I don't wear the standard local "uniform" of white nikes, white socks, shorts and a snappy T or polo I get treated MUCH differently. If I put on my jeans, my Wolverine loggers and an old T-shirt and drive my pick-up and they think I'm a local, the treatment is very different. And in fact, I was told at two different places where they didn't think I was "one of them damn Villagers" that they automatically raised the prices if they thought that's where you came from.

Some may think that TV is good for them. Many, many, many do not. I was also told by one of the nearby radio station managers that they NEVER mention The Villages on air unless it's completely unavoidable, because their audience hates them.

This not true from my experience!

[gomoho]

Tell you what..I learned this early on. They might smile in your face and say thank-you, much like the farmers near the Hamptons in NY smile at the people out there, but behind your backs they DO NOT like us.

Many blame TVers for higher taxes, more congestion and so on and so forth. I also learned that when I go out seeking something outside of "the bubble" that if I don't wear the standard local "uniform" of white nikes, white socks, shorts and a snappy T or polo I get treated MUCH differently. If I put on my jeans, my Wolverine loggers and an old T-shirt and drive my pick-up and they think I'm a local, the treatment is very different. And in fact, I was told at two different places where they didn't think I was "one of them damn Villagers" that they automatically raised the prices if they thought that's where you came from.

Some may think that TV is good for them. Many, many, many do not. I was also told by one of the nearby radio station managers that they NEVER mention The Villages on air unless it's completely unavoidable, because their audience hates them.

If this is in fact true, don't you think you should advise your fellow Villagers just who "outside the bubble" wishes to rip us off. If we knew when we went into a store we could ask about this and put a stop to it. I really have a problem when people post negative things and don't name who they have a problem with. How are we supposed to deal with it if we don't know who you are talking about???

[dominojc]

Heard the rumor regarding Macy's, Trader Joe's..larger franchise type stores...all I meant was we have so many small retail stores in the town centers I hope they are not hurt (financially) by the influx of above mentioned retailers.

[LndLocked]

Mack: I know many people in Sumter County are grateful for TV because they have more opportunity for employment. TV certainly changed Sumter County almost like Disney changed Orange County. Some people don't like change....

You say that like it was a good thing. To those of us that grew up in nice, sleepy Orlando in the time of BD .... Before Disney, not so much. I can assure you that the % of people like me that did so and that think the change in Centro Fla from the Mouse was a positive one is very very low.

As for the employment provided to the fine folks of Sumter Co by TV. It is overwhelmingly fairly low wage "service industry" type jobs. I would bet the most of the jobs brought by TV do not provide an income level sufficient to live in a TV type community years from now.

[ilovetv]

In reading the county budget, I'd say Sumter County is in a very healthy position considering the rapid growth it has experienced in recent years...and millage has gone down, not up.

"The Cash Balance Forward are reserves and other cash carried over from the previous fiscal year as beginning fund balances. The figure of $56,314,160 includes unspent revenues from the previous fiscal year, reserves for emergencies, and proceeds of borrowing for capital projects that were not completed during the year. It also includes the difference between fund assets and liabilities at the end of the year."

MAJOR REVENUE SOURCES
Category Amount

Ad Valorem Taxes $42,165,067
Sales, Use & Other Taxes 13,206,223
License & Permits 23,282,851
Intergovernmental Revenue 14,210,592
Internal Service 3,921,446
Other Sources 4,060,173
Miscellaneous Revenue 790,120

SubTotal Revenue $101,636,472

Transfers - In 21,807,360
Cash Balance Forward 56,314,160

Total Revenue $179,757,99


"Through efficient cost management, the projected Operating Cost per Capita in Fiscal Year 2011/2012 ($1,073) is comparable to that in Fiscal Year 2003/2004 ($1,030)."

Sumter County Board of County Commissioners
Citizens Guide to the Fiscal Year 2012/2013 Adopted Budget:
http://sumtercountyfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3836

And, millage has gone down over the past decade:

http://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/916

[Mack184]

If this is in fact true, don't you think you should advise your fellow Villagers just who "outside the bubble" wishes to rip us off. If we knew when we went into a store we could ask about this and put a stop to it. I really have a problem when people post negative things and don't name who they have a problem with. How are we supposed to deal with it if we don't know who you are talking about???
No..I don't. Because since they don't know that I'm "one of those" I'm going to take advantage of it. It's not a matter of posting negative information, it's just saying that many of people who live in Sumter and the surrounding country areas outside of TV don't think we're such swell people, and in the largest sense, I can agree with them. The arrival of TV turned their quiet county upside down, and they didn't ask for it.

Also..we live here for other reasons than retirement. Neither my wife or I are retired. I've said it before that even though we live here we are not especially TV fans. We would not choose to retire here.

I worked in Indianapolis for a couple of years and lived outside of the city in a town called Avon in Hendricks county Indiana. At the time, Avon and Hendricks were the fast-growing county in Indiana, and those locals HATED everybody who wasn't a local. Why? Same reason as Sumter. They had a very quiet county with low taxes and minimal costs for services. Then came the "outsiders" mostly well-off who quadrupled their school district size overnight, required massive amounts of municipal services and shot their property taxes through the roof. While Sumter doesn't have the school district problems because of TV, they have all the other problems, and many of them resent it. And..I don't blame them.

[graciegirl]

Tell you what..I learned this early on. They might smile in your face and say thank-you, much like the farmers near the Hamptons in NY smile at the people out there, but behind your backs they DO NOT like us.

Many blame TVers for higher taxes, more congestion and so on and so forth. I also learned that when I go out seeking something outside of "the bubble" that if I don't wear the standard local "uniform" of white nikes, white socks, shorts and a snappy T or polo I get treated MUCH differently. If I put on my jeans, my Wolverine loggers and an old T-shirt and drive my pick-up and they think I'm a local, the treatment is very different. And in fact, I was told at two different places where they didn't think I was "one of them damn Villagers" that they automatically raised the prices if they thought that's where you came from.

Some may think that TV is good for them. Many, many, many do not. I was also told by one of the nearby radio station managers that they NEVER mention The Villages on air unless it's completely unavoidable, because their audience hates them.

Well now, that may be true, but that is how things are. When we moved to West Chester, Ohio in the seventies most of the seniors graduating from high school and going to college were going to be Agricultural majors, not that there is anything wrong with that. A bunch of "city slickers" kept moving in and there was hue and cry at the local PTA when we started volunteering in classrooms and tried to begin upgrading the educational system. Well these many years later the education system is vastly better and there are houses where the fields of corn were and things have changed. The folks who lived there then, many of them are still living there now and I don't know if they think it is a benefit to have several grocery stores and malls and a lot of new churches and not have to drive for a good distance to get all of these things. I know that here, just like everywhere change happens. Sometimes it is good change and sometimes bad change and it depends who you ask. I hope we aren't a bunch of "ugly" seniors and we try to represent our age group in a positive way or the folks around us who lived here first will have good cause to not like us. I suspect that there are more than a few who are acting uppity when they have no cause.

Since I myself don't see how the change can't but make things better, I feel no remorse for being part of the change and I try to be a good ambassador for the "wrinklies".

[SALYBOW]

To all you guys that think we don't need those things. Don't you wear clothes, send wedding presents, eat good food, etc. We need a Trader Joes because I am tired of making trips back to Ohio to go there. Great food, low prices. We do need that!!!

[billethkid]

We have been her almost 10 years. We probably know as many non residents from the surrounded area as we do residents of TV.
I have never ever heard of any such disenchantment with what TV has brought to the area or caused......until this thread!

I personally think there may be pockets of that, just like anywhere else on the planet. I think isolated or minority incidents are too often extrapolated to represent a general condition......which of course do not represent the reality.
And then the extrapolation is intellectualized to a point of trying to have others believe the extrapolation!

The reality is Sumter county as well as the other counties that house TV are much better off as a result of TV and it's residents.....that is the general reality that truly exists.

btk

[Polar Bear]

We have been her almost 10 years. We probably know as many non residents from the surrounded area as we do residents of TV.
I have never ever heard of any such disenchantment with what TV has brought to the area or caused......until this thread!

I personally think there may be pockets of that, just like anywhere else on the planet. I think isolated or minority incidents are too often extrapolated to represent a general condition......which of course do not represent the reality.
And then the extrapolation is intellectualized to a point of trying to have others believe the extrapolation!

The reality is Sumter county as well as the other counties that house TV are much better off as a result of TV and it's residents.....that is the general reality that truly exists.

btk

What btk said.

[SusanOfWoodbury]

Yipee for Traders Joe's, I could care less about any other stores... oh wait!!! maybe a good ice cream store with fair prices.

[KathieI]

From Trader Joe's website, these are the new stores being planned to open soon. No mention of The Villages or Wildwood...

Coming Soon:



Dallas (Lower Greenville), TX - Aug. 9th
Amherst, NY
Asheville, NC
Austin, TX
Austin (Rollingwood), TX
Baton Rouge, LA
Boulder, CO
Dallas (North), TX
Denver, CO
Evanston, IL
Hingham, MA
Libertyville, IL
Stamford, CT

[al & jane]

Now when the rumor comes to your town, It grows and grows, where it started no one knows. Some of your neighbors will invite it right in or maybe it's a lie, even if it's a sin they'll repeat the rumor again

The BAND - THE RUMOR LYRICS 1983

[AriaGrandparents2013]

Lets all "wait & see". As I am new to The Villages....spent the day yesterday in Orlando purchasing essentials for the home and realized that Orlando is not very far and convenient for those type of "big box" stores mentioned.

[JP]

From Trader Joe's website, these are the new stores being planned to open soon. No mention of The Villages or Wildwood...

Coming Soon:



Dallas (Lower Greenville), TX - Aug. 9th
Amherst, NY
Asheville, NC
Austin, TX
Austin (Rollingwood), TX
Baton Rouge, LA
Boulder, CO
Dallas (North), TX
Denver, CO
Evanston, IL
Hingham, MA
Libertyville, IL
Stamford, CT


Could depend on your definition of soon

[asianthree]

I have never been in a Trader Joe's and am curious to see how it could be better than Publix which I love. I am a person who really enjoys food shopping and cooking.

When I ask people what they love about Trader Joes I am stuck with an image like the blind man describing the elephant.

People talk about ethnic food and already prepared food cheaper than Fresh Market, not very big place, unusual items, two dollar wine, and not very big store ...most repeat that twice, it isn't very big and has hard to find stuff. I am totally curious but am looking forward to the experience since I have not yet heard any bad comments.

I am from Cincinnati, birthplace of Barney Kroger. You gotta work hard to beat a Kroger superstore, but I have grown to love Publix.

i agree i am a kroger shopper also but TJ has kosher. They carry Meat and cold cuts are nitrite, antibotic and phosphate free. Organic fruits and veggies at a good price compared to Whole Foods. Always friendly service, products are from big companies under the TJs name..Good dairy and and juice products..as for the wine they at holiday carry high end wines at good price.as far as 2 buck chuck which is 3 buck chuck out side of CA..i don't drink or cook with cheep wine,,so that's not why i dont but that wine

[Penguin]

Doug,

Well said. People move here then want what they moved from. Were retired, don't need all that crap. But were guy's !!!

I'm with you guys on that one. :clap2:

[Barefoot]

i agree i am a kroger shopper also but TJ has kosher. They carry Meat and cold cuts are nitrite, antibotic and phosphate free. Organic fruits and veggies at a good price compared to Whole Foods. Always friendly service, products are from big companies under the TJs name..Good dairy and and juice products..as for the wine they at holiday carry high end wines at good price.as far as 2 buck chuck which is 3 buck chuck out side of CA..i don't drink or cook with cheep wine,,so that's not why i dont but that wine

I always thought Trader Joe's was a restaurant, and wondered what all the fuss was about. Now I hear it is a marvelous grocery store with lots of healthy choices. I love shopping at Fresh Market. TJs sounds even better. Just the thing for a health-conscious retirement community! Two thumbs up. :coolsmiley:

[casita37]

As for Trader Joe's, I agree it is a wonderful store, with lots of healthy items. I have driven to Gainesville a couple of times since they have been here and actually am planning a visit this Monday.

However, just so there is not a mis-understanding, not everything in TJ's is organic and not everything in TJ's is healthy. Even if you are an "everything in moderation" type who doesn't mind sugar, heavy cream, white bread, potato chips (and the list goes on), you will find plenty of packaged, processed foods in TJ that you might not want to consume. They even have a cereal that is a take off of Fruit Loops and their own version of Pop Tarts. I actually bought the Pop Tarts take off, since they WERE "healthier", but really I should not have.

Having said, I do agree the ingredients are generally better for us than the junk on the shelves in a larger, more traditional, supermarket. I just looked at a TJ's chicken pot pie I have in the freezer. I could pronouce all the ingredients, but a couple were close.

Point being, you still have to shop wisely and read the labels. You can't just start grabbing everything that catches your eye. Even in the produce section, it's definitely not all organic. Last time I was there, the conventional produce way out-numbered the organic.

The prices are outstanding!!! So, overall, if you eat a traditional diet, and just try to not over-do the sugar, dairy, etc., then Trader Joe's is an outstanding grocery store for you. Hard to go wrong. If you are a true health food consumer, shop carefully.

I finally opened my $2 (3) buck Chuck last evening. It was pretty .....OK. I might buy more on Sunday.

@Gracie...You really should go check it out. I would invite you along on Monday, but I will be coming from Jacksonville, not TV.

[cquick]

I agree that you can find so much at Fresh Market that you can get at Trader Joe's just not the same brand names.

[jbdlfan]

We have been her almost 10 years. We probably know as many non residents from the surrounded area as we do residents of TV.
I have never ever heard of any such disenchantment with what TV has brought to the area or caused......until this thread!

I personally think there may be pockets of that, just like anywhere else on the planet. I think isolated or minority incidents are too often extrapolated to represent a general condition......which of course do not represent the reality.
And then the extrapolation is intellectualized to a point of trying to have others believe the extrapolation!

The reality is Sumter county as well as the other counties that house TV are much better off as a result of TV and it's residents.....that is the general reality that truly exists.

btk

Sorry, but have been here six years and spend more time outside of here than in and I have to disagree with you on a few points. First, try and tell me that southern Marion County is better off because of The Villages and you would be VERY wrong. Very poor area and TV has done nothing to change that. Second, two of my children have marraied "native" Sumter countians and yes, they have problems with many of us. In most cases, we are the butts of many of their jokes. But, many feel that everything that has been done, or as many of you say, developed for the good, has actually done very little for the other residents of the county. Don't start throwing out your tax numbers. I"ve been through this before on here. Sumter County schools do well, outside of The Charter school. As a matter of fact, South Sumter, Bushnell and Webster are some of the top achieving public schools in Florida. Yes, some local business will raise prices on people they percieve as "Villagers." Seen it happen a couple times in person. Doesn't mean The Villages or Villagers are bad people, just means some don't like us. Oops, thats negative isn't it? Let me rephrase that, some people just don't appreciate us enough....There, that's somewhat positive.

[Polar Bear]

Development happens. People near it are rarely (ever?) unanimously happy about it, no matter where it is. Both the long-timers and the newbies simply have to live with it and adjust as needed.

[SALYBOW]

Doug,

Well said. People move here then want what they moved from. Were retired, don't need all that crap. But were guy's !!!

:ohdear: :boom:

Most of us left home to get rid of weather, traffic, stress of jobs and crime, etc. We did not move here to leave behind cheap prices on groceries and gas or to have to drive to Ocala or Orlando to go to a dept store.

I wonder how much of the shopping, cooking, or gift purchasing you are responsible for the household. Some people still like to cook and they need access to certain food stuff at less than Fresh Market prices. I can't even imagine why you would negatively post on this thread if it does not effect you. Criticizing the desire many have to lure a Trader Joe's here seems a bit self-serving. It is not rumored to be coming to LSL or Spanish Springs, it is coming to Brownwood which we know is going to be a heavier retail area.

:spoken:

[CFrance]

:ohdear: :boom:

Most of us left home to get rid of weather, traffic, stress of jobs and crime, etc. We did not move here to leave behind cheap prices on groceries and gas or to have to drive to Ocala or Orlando to go to a dept store.

I wonder how much of the shopping, cooking, or gift purchasing you are responsible for the household. Some people still like to cook and they need access to certain food stuff at less than Fresh Market prices. I can't even imagine why you would negatively post on this thread if it does not effect you. Criticizing the desire many have to lure a Trader Joe's here seems a bit self-serving. It is not rumored to be coming to LSL or Spanish Springs, it is coming to Brownwood which we know is going to be a heavier retail area.

:spoken:

Sallybow, I agree with you about the reason for moving, and why it's not a crime to wish for a better variety of shopping opportunities. We have every right to hope for expanded retail. Narrow shopping opportunities certainly aren't the case in other retirement sections of Florida. Why should we not expect the same?

Hopefully, as TV grows n population, the stores will come.

[perrjojo]

No..I don't. Because since they don't know that I'm "one of those" I'm going to take advantage of it. It's not a matter of posting negative information, it's just saying that many of people who live in Sumter and the surrounding country areas outside of TV don't think we're such swell people, and in the largest sense, I can agree with them. The arrival of TV turned their quiet county upside down, and they didn't ask for it.

Also..we live here for other reasons than retirement. Neither my wife or I are retired. I've said it before that even though we live here we are not especially TV fans. We would not choose to retire here.

I worked in Indianapolis for a couple of years and lived outside of the city in a town called Avon in Hendricks county Indiana. At the time, Avon and Hendricks were the fast-growing county in Indiana, and those locals HATED everybody who wasn't a local. Why? Same reason as Sumter. They had a very quiet county with low taxes and minimal costs for services. Then came the "outsiders" mostly well-off who quadrupled their school district size overnight, required massive amounts of municipal services and shot their property taxes through the roof. While Sumter doesn't have the school district problems because of TV, they have all the other problems, and many of them resent it. And..I don't blame them.


You are correct...people hate change. Just ask a Native American!

[asianthree]

just because they build a TJs does not mean you have to shop there..:a040:

[Bonny]

To all you guys that think we don't need those things. Don't you wear clothes, send wedding presents, eat good food, etc. We need a Trader Joes because I am tired of making trips back to Ohio to go there. Great food, low prices. We do need that!!!

Trader Joes has clothes and sell items that would make good wedding presents ? I thought they were just food.

[coconutmama]

I am concerned that as our population as a nation grows, the farm land that we need for our food source is shrinking. Too much drought in the midlands. Hope some Florida land is kept agricultural, including open range land too. But I would love a TJs. Miss their mandarin chicken! We just need some balance in my view.

[thelegges]

Trader Joes has clothes and sell items that would make good wedding presents ? I thought they were just food.

just food

[renielarson]

For anyone unfamiliar with the Trader Joe brand products here is a very informative web page especially useful for those of us with allergies, special diets, or concerned about what ingredients are in the foods we eat. The codes make shopping at TJ's easier than at other grocery stores because I don't have to read as many labels.

Trader Joe's (http://www.traderjoes.com/products/dietary.asp)

[Russ_Boston]

Thanks for that list.

You know a funny thing though: One item on the low sodium list is Blue Corn Tortilla Chips. Ok if you only eat one or two servings of them and you don't put any Salsa (hard to find low sodium salsa that's any good) and no refried bean and no taco flavored beef and no cheese. At least that is how I eat blue corn tortilla chips:)

It's all about choices and I think the more the merrier. Bring on TJ's for one more choice in shopping.

[asianthree]

i can send my husband to TJs to shop and most of what he buys is good for his heart...not going to happen at a grocery..just too much shiny things to peak his interest:mmmm:

[billethkid]

I am concerned that as our population as a nation grows, the farm land that we need for our food source is shrinking. Too much drought in the midlands. Hope some Florida land is kept agricultural, including open range land too. But I would love a TJs. Miss their mandarin chicken! We just need some balance in my view.


If one either drives or flies around the USA it becomes very apparent just how little of the land we populate.

There is and will always be plenty of land for growing what we need rught here in the USA. Because of big business in farming and politics we choose not to do so.

Not to worry about runing out of farmland.

btk

[SALYBOW]

I agree that you can find so much at Fresh Market that you can get at Trader Joe's just not the same brand names.

But... The price is twice as high at Fresh Market. They charge it because people have been paying it.

[SALYBOW]

Trader Joes has clothes and sell items that would make good wedding presents ? I thought they were just food.

As I recall Trader Joe's was not the only store mentioned in the post.

[De Lis]

Nordstroms and you won't need anything else.

[jblum315]

Nordstroms and you won't need anything else.

Nordstrom's sells groceries??

[travelguy]

ok, trader joes will absolutely not come to the villages. why? because we are not their target demographic. TJ's loves college towns, and thrive on the eclectic mix of people that gravitate to those sorts of environments. eclectic is not what most would describe the villages.
and as far as major mall-type retailers? the only possible location that would make any sense would be where the turnpike and I-75 meet as there is a huge volume of traffic and malls must have lots and lots of traffic. the residents of TV and their golf carts are 'cute' but do not remotely interest mall developers.

[janmcn]

ok, trader joes will absolutely not come to the villages. why? because we are not their target demographic. TJ's loves college towns, and thrive on the eclectic mix of people that gravitate to those sorts of environments. eclectic is not what most would describe the villages.
and as far as major mall-type retailers? the only possible location that would make any sense would be where the turnpike and I-75 meet as there is a huge volume of traffic and malls must have lots and lots of traffic. the residents of TV and their golf carts are 'cute' but do not remotely interest mall developers.


Absolutely correct. Trader Joes is looking for a location in South Tampa, not Wildwood. The difference in the population base is probably close to two million people.



Talk of a South Tampa Trader Joe's heats up again | Tampa Bay Times (http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/talk-of-a-south-tampa-trader-joes-heats-up-again/2117207)

[dporta]

Trader Joe's would be a wonderful addition to The Villages. I never got the concept of the store initially but then started shopping there and love it. They offer products that you can't find anywhere else and normally at a lower price. I think it would do well in The Villages.

[Polar Bear]

...They offer products that you can't find anywhere else and normally at a lower price...

Now wait a minute...how can that be?!? ;^)

[kimball]

Now wait a minute...how can that be?!? ;^)

Best post on the whole Thread!!!!

[BogeyBoy]

I am spending some time in Sunny Southern California - home of Trader Joe's.

I have been shopping in a few Trader Joe's since I have been here.

Every one working in the stores wears a sandwich board signs that says - "look for our new location in The Villages Florida - Coming Soon!".

Later this year I will spending some time near Rochester, NY. I am sure everyone working in a Wegman's Market there will be wearing a similar sign.

[twiceis]

So excited. Please let it be true though I never saw anyone wearing sandwich boards in Raleigh, NC Trader Joes

[mickey100]

I am spending some time in Sunny Southern California - home of Trader Joe's.

I have been shopping in a few Trader Joe's since I have been here.

Every one working in the stores wears a sandwich board signs that says - "look for our new location in The Villages Florida - Coming Soon!".

Later this year I will spending some time near Rochester, NY. I am sure everyone working in a Wegman's Market there will be wearing a similar sign.

Cute.
:laugh:

[jblum315]

Bogus

[Russ_Boston]

The difference in the population base is probably close to two million people.
| Tampa Bay Times (http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/talk-of-a-south-tampa-trader-joes-heats-up-again/2117207)

They don't need any more population than they have here in TV and surrounds. My wife works at Publix in Colony and it is the busiest store in the whole Publix chain for 6 months of the year. And it does well in the other 6 months as well. And Publix has 4 stores in TV alone.

There is a Trader Joes on Cape Cod (Hyannis, Massachusetts) that is basically a ghost town for 8 months of the year.

Don't think it's about population areas.

[kittygilchrist]

:agree:Bogus

[travelguy]

They don't need any more population than they have here in TV and surrounds. My wife works at Publix in Colony and it is the busiest store in the whole Publix chain for 6 months of the year. And it does well in the other 6 months as well. And Publix has 4 stores in TV alone.

There is a Trader Joes on Cape Cod (Hyannis, Massachusetts) that is basically a ghost town for 8 months of the year.

Don't think it's about population areas.

Hyannis? there are a lot of kennedy's there....and am sure that they eat well!
:icon_hungry:

[LndLocked]

Plans move forward to open Trader Joe's in South Tampa | Tampa Bay Times (http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/plans-move-forward-to-open-trader-joes-in-south-tampa/2126563)

[zcaveman]

I am spending some time in Sunny Southern California - home of Trader Joe's.

I have been shopping in a few Trader Joe's since I have been here.

Every one working in the stores wears a sandwich board signs that says - "look for our new location in The Villages Florida - Coming Soon!".

Later this year I will spending some time near Rochester, NY. I am sure everyone working in a Wegman's Market there will be wearing a similar sign.

Please post a picture of these signs.

Z

[janmcn]

Plans move forward to open Trader Joe's in South Tampa | Tampa Bay Times (http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/plans-move-forward-to-open-trader-joes-in-south-tampa/2126563)



What I found most interesting about this article is the statement that Trader Joe's looks for locations in affluent areas. This is evident by their first Florida store located in Naples, second store in Sarasota, then Gainesville, now building in South Tampa, and planning a future store in Winter Park.

[graciegirl]

Please post a picture of these signs.

Z

He is pulling on our collective legs, teasing us, funning us and being clever.

Not really happening. No signs, No Trader Joe's in The Villages. But everything else seems nice.

[LndLocked]

What I found most interesting about this article is the statement that Trader Joe's looks for locations in affluent areas. This is evident by their first Florida store located in Naples, second store in Sarasota, then Gainesville, now building in South Tampa, and planning a future store in Winter Garden.

That would be Winter Park .

But where it is projected to be is much much closer to lower income area(s) then the high dollar part of WP.

While the article does try and make that correlation ... in my experience that is not exactly true. Trader Joe's is not Whole Foods or even Fresh Market. Where the WP store is projected to be is much much closer to lower income area(s) then the high dollar part of WP. The part of S. Tampa it is slated for is just as close to The Hood (or one of then in Tampa) as it is the more affluent area of "S. Tampa" The part of G-ville the one there is in is just as close to college apt complexes as any upscale neighborhoods.

[zcaveman]

He is pulling on our collective legs, teasing us, funning us and being clever.

Not really happening. No signs, No Trader Joe's in The Villages. But everything else seems nice.

That is what I figured but I had to ask.

Z

[psyched3]

I was at Trader Joe's today. It is an hour ride up and back when I drive in my car...sometimes with a friend. (The one in Gainesville) ...and they mentioned that there is a bus that brings us Villagers there from the Villages perhaps once or twice a month. Was informed that the Villages bus was there today. Does anyone know where, when and how I could find out the details about this? Thanks so much. psyched3

[Bogie Shooter]

I was at Trader Joe's today. It is an hour ride up and back when I drive in my car...sometimes with a friend. (The one in Gainesville) ...and they mentioned that there is a bus that brings us Villagers there from the Villages perhaps once or twice a month. Was informed that the Villages bus was there today. Does anyone know where, when and how I could find out the details about this? Thanks so much. psyched3

The Villages Transportation ? Orlando International Airport Shuttle Service (http://www.thevillagestransportation.net/)