South of 466A starting to bloom - Need a Star Bucks

[kb8tpw]

We live just north of 466A and are anxiously awaiting the maturation of south of 466A. All of our MDs are in close proximity of the hospital so not sure we'll be able to stay south for a great portion of the time, even though when we bought and built there was to be a hospital south of 466A - so much for that. Hate to change docs but Colony Medical center is something we are considering. The center off of Powell Rd is growing by leaps and bounds and sure looks great. Only thing I don't see or hear about is a Star Bucks, an essential necessity. LSL has a couple so it shouldn't be asking too much. We are going to need a Star Bucks eventually, though some may not patronize it at all I suppose. Sweet Bay would be a good place to stick one in the corner like Barnes and Nobel in LSL???

[NotGolfer]

We live just north of 466a----but I agree! NOT enough commerce (yet) to support all the new folks to the south! We could use a Panera or similar as well. Hoping this all comes quickly as it will be sorely needed especially when "high season" hits us. Already the traffic (both in shops, restaurants too) is being felt as more dense/busy!

[njbchbum]

my guess is that you guys hafta post to starbucks and panera and any other chain you want to see located close by! the developer does not bring any business into the villages - he just makes space available to them if they want to be here! you need to find someone who wants to open a franchise in that area!

[laceylady]

I contacted Starbucks last year. They replied they would look into it. Staff at LSL Starbucks report there are no plans to open another one as yet.

[Down Sized]

I contacted Starbucks last year. They replied they would look into it. Staff at LSL Starbucks report there are no plans to open another one as yet.

The district manager for Panera said the same thing about Brownwood. They are wait and see mode

[jblum315]

Needs a lot more than a Starbucks

[DianeM]

I want a Panera and/or a Dunkin

[billethkid]

it is only a matter of time....they will come like they did to all the other areas of TV as the population increased in a given area.

Some of us look back to when 466 (not 466A) was a two lane road and the prospects of Buena Vista going South from there was just speculation. At that time there were almost no national brand anythings around TV.....the population was around 30 some thousand and now..........

They have built it and they will come....just watch.

btk

[cquick]

We live just north of 466A and are anxiously awaiting the maturation of south of 466A. Only thing I don't see or hear about is a Star Bucks, an essential necessity.

Starbucks is an essential necessity? Oh, come on!

[OCsun]

Starbucks is an essential necessity? Oh, come on!

You betcha! We need some place to stop after early morning golf besides McDonalds.

[DianeM]

Starbucks is an essential necessity? Oh, come on!

Maybe not essential but sure as heck necessary for pleasant living - LOL.

[batman911]

I predict that Brownwood will be the best of the three in the end. They have learned from any mistakes they made building the other two. Appears to have lots of room for more businesses.

[janmcn]

Electric lines are being run along Buena Vista Blvd down to SR44 for medical facilities, retailers, and a major super-market chain. The article doesn't say what chain. The work is expected to take three months.


SECO Energy's installation of new electric lines in Villages begins today - **************: The Villages, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Fruitland Park (http://www.**************.com/seco-energy-begin-three-month-installation-new-electric-lines-villages/)

[Russ_Boston]

Starbucks is past tense - Dunkin Donuts is the future. 4-1 says it will be DD not Starbucks.

[Russ_Boston]

Electric lines are being run along Buena Vista Blvd down to SR44 for medical facilities, retailers, and a major super-market chain. The article doesn't say what chain. The work is expected to take three months.


SECO Energy's installation of new electric lines in Villages begins today - **************: The Villages, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Fruitland Park (http://www.**************.com/seco-energy-begin-three-month-installation-new-electric-lines-villages/)

Just wondering why they didn't do this during the build stage from BV down to 44? Seems weird that they NOW have to dig up 'section by section' to install new lines. Not the best planning by SECO?

[asianthree]

need someone who makes good coffee and fast food coffee is not it

[coconutmama]

Starbucks is past tense - Dunkin Donuts is the future. 4-1 says it will be DD not Starbucks.

Couldn't agree more. We can get to Brownwood faster than to Spanish Springs. Come on DD!

[TheCollierCpl]

We live just north of 466A and are anxiously awaiting the maturation of south of 466A. All of our MDs are in close proximity of the hospital so not sure we'll be able to stay south for a great portion of the time, even though when we bought and built there was to be a hospital south of 466A - so much for that. Hate to change docs but Colony Medical center is something we are considering. The center off of Powell Rd is growing by leaps and bounds and sure looks great. Only thing I don't see or hear about is a Star Bucks, an essential necessity. LSL has a couple so it shouldn't be asking too much. We are going to need a Star Bucks eventually, though some may not patronize it at all I suppose. Sweet Bay would be a good place to stick one in the corner like Barnes and Nobel in LSL???

Too many Starbucks already. We need a Caribou Coffee! :pray:

[jblum315]

Never cared for Starbucks. Don't like their coffee (I think Dunkin is much better) and don't like their takeover attitude. I've seen too many instances where Starbucks put the good little local coffee shops out of business.

[DianeM]

Starbucks is past tense - Dunkin Donuts is the future. 4-1 says it will be DD not Starbucks.

Works for me. The stores are the only places where you can get Dunkin k - cups.

[DianeM]

Never cared for Starbucks. Don't like their coffee (I think Dunkin is much better) and don't like their takeover attitude. I've seen too many instances where Starbucks put the good little local coffee shops out of business.

Starbucks is kinda strong.

[e-flyer]

Any restaurant/bakery serving breakfast would be nice...Panera, DD, Starbucks, Krispy Kreme.

[bluedog103]

My vote goes to DD

[Barefoot]

And soon, there will be Tim Hortons Coffee Shops everywhere! :mornincoffee:

[asianthree]

Too many Starbucks already. We need a Caribou Coffee! :pray:

caribou is pulling out of many areas...don't know why...but up north we have had 6 close...

[asianthree]

And soon, there will be Tim Hortons Coffee Shops everywhere! :mornincoffee:

and tim hortons kcups

[lightworker888]

Barefoot, Now you're talking coffee, and I don't even drink it But I do love their Maple breakfast panini with bacon! Yea TImmies.

LW888

[skip0358]

Another vote for DD/Baskin

[graciegirl]

my guess is that you guys hafta post to starbucks and panera and any other chain you want to see located close by! the developer does not bring any business into the villages - he just makes space available to them if they want to be here! you need to find someone who wants to open a franchise in that area!

nfbchbum is right again. (Love that girl)

It would be a very good idea for someone to post email links to those chains that they would like to see here with maybe a form letter to use saying how big we are now. (100,000!!!) Many demographers are not keeping up with the amazing growth that has happened here in the last six years. Many don't keep their fingers on the pulse of our age group. We need to make them aware that we are HERE and a big dang bunch of us with dollahs. dough, cash to spend.

The chains use demographers. So an avalanche of emails MAY help. It didn't help get us a get a Trader Joe's here when there was a big campaign of villagers to lure them a couple of years ago..

The Villages developers will build and rent but they can't capture.

I am wishing that someone who does strip malls will start buying some of the small parcels near the new growth on 466A but I am sure that those folks have been waiting with their property priced sky high to make the sale of their life and live in luxury. It is kind of hopeless for that reason. The land nearby is VERY expensive.

[DianeM]

And soon, there will be Tim Hortons Coffee Shops everywhere! :mornincoffee:

I've had Tim Horton's in Canada. Are they coming to the States?

[Barefoot]

I've had Tim Horton's in Canada. Are they coming to the States?

They are in the US already, not Florida yet, but they're on the way. Good coffee, good food, good prices. They are incredibly popular in Canada. People who buy franchises do very well!

[DianeM]

They are in the US already, not Florida yet, but they're on the way. Good coffee, good food, good prices. They are incredibly popular in Canada. People who buy franchises do very well!

I seem to remember having a maple glazed donut that was awesome.

[Russ_Boston]

They are in the US already, not Florida yet, but they're on the way. Good coffee, good food, good prices. They are incredibly popular in Canada. People who buy franchises do very well!

There were some (Tim Hortons) in Mass and RI that failed. Only 1 left. DD puts them all out of business in New England. Same with Krispy Kreme.

Starbucks has already contracted by almost 1/2 nationwide. The LSL store survived, doubt if they will grow in TV.

DD will survive in my opinion.

[Trish Crocker]

Just wanted to say something about Starbucks...my daughter worked there as a 'barrista' for about 5 years. During this time, she was given medical benefits even though she was part time, she could pick up shifts at any store (including a trip to LA, she was working in Michigan at the time). When she moved to LA, she was given a job at a local Starbucks and when my husband needed surgery they not only gave her time off to come home, they also paid for her ticket to get there. Starbucks is a great company to work for, it's nice to see employees treated well.

[Russ_Boston]

Just wanted to say something about Starbucks...my daughter worked there as a 'barrista' for about 5 years. During this time, she was given medical benefits even though she was part time, she could pick up shifts at any store (including a trip to LA, she was working in Michigan at the time). When she moved to LA, she was given a job at a local Starbucks and when my husband needed surgery they not only gave her time off to come home, they also paid for her ticket to get there. Starbucks is a great company to work for, it's nice to see employees treated well.

Yes good company but they have closed almost 300 stores in USA since 2009. Growing overseas but not in US.

[LynnDeb]

Would like to see a whole foods or trader joe here

[jblum315]

Would like to see a whole foods or trader joe here

YES! Either one would be great!

[patfla06]

I would just like to see NEW stores - not repeats of the ones already
in Colony Plaza. We do need a coffee store down that way.

[graciegirl]

I would just like to see NEW stores - not repeats of the ones already
in Colony Plaza. We do need a coffee store down that way.

The reason that your wish may not come true is that the chains are more likely to open another site. And they have already been successful in this situation where you have a lot of well, people who are careful with their money. That doesn't mean to say that we don't have a lot of people who have a lot of it, but they are still watching it so it doesn't run out before they do.

So, we are likely to have proven winners like Toojays, repeat themselves.

It isn't what we want, it is what we will get. And The Developers can only build buildings and rent them, they can't TELL people to come and open a business.

Sooner or later there will be enough restaurants and businesses to support the new area but THIS season is gonna be ugly.

[Russ_Boston]

The reason that your wish may not come true is that the chains are more likely to open another site. And they have already been successful in this situation where you have a lot of well, people who are careful with their money. That doesn't mean to say that we don't have a lot of people who have a lot of it, but they are still watching it so it doesn't run out before they do.

So, we are likely to have proven winners like Toojays, repeat themselves.

It isn't what we want, it is what we will get. And The Developers can only build buildings and rent them, they can't TELL people to come and open a business.

Sooner or later there will be enough restaurants and businesses to support the new area but THIS season is gonna be ugly.

Ditto on the ugly sentiment. I'm planning on hibernating!

I know TooJays has already committed. Obviously we do have a repeat City Fire already down there. I'll will bet Publix will break ground sooner than later.

Then there are some new places. World of Beer and That Italian restaurant (don't remember the name).

As far as retail I'm not sure yet but time will tell and hopefully we all have plenty of that left.

[DianeM]

This will be my first season for the snowbird arrival and everyone tells me that it is hell.

[njbchbum]

This will be my first season for the snowbird arrival and everyone tells me that it is hell.

dianem - it is only really bad if one is not flexible and finds adjusting difficult - or has an entitlement attitude [snowbirds can have those, too]!

it is like summer on the jersey shore or leaf-peeping in new england. all of a sudden swarms of people are clogging hiways, byways and cart paths - and some have no idea where they are going; creating long lines at restaurants - where the locals were able to just walk thru the doors at any hour to dine [i think that's where the 'sr early-bird rep comes from - trying to beat the crowd and avoid a line]!; there is no place to sit in st tim's if ya don't get there for the next mass just as the last mass is exiting!; and the colony shopping plaza is jammed all time because folks don't take the time to head to sweetbay or southern trace plazas!

not to leave out - that golfers become exceedingly frustrated by the difficulty in securing tee times [and tee times at their favorite courses, no less] - rather than just be glad that they got a tee time! popular activities, pool time and work-out facilities also book up quickly!

it's another reason why i am so happy to live on the original historic side! 2 post offices nearby - one by cart, one by car; no golf cart paths thru our villages and mostly the only traffic there LIVES there; a quick ride by car or cart and i have the choice of 2 grocery stores, two chain pharmacies a reasonably priced gas station with convenience store [read lottery tix]; and easy auto access to several big box stores and aldi's!

we snowbirds really do take the complaining on the chin from some here in the villages - those who have little to no respect that we all pay the same amenity fees. some forget that most snowbirds only use those amenities for a short time rather than yr-round - which helps keep the cost of everyone's amenity fees lower than if each of us just paid for amenities for the months we are in residence.

so if you can modify your existence for a few months, you will see that when we all fly back to our northern nests, life in the villages returns to normal and folks have a hard time finding things to complain about! some locals even lament that snowbird friends have left again - they're the rare gems that we treasure! ;)

[jbfleck]

would love to see pottery barn or william sonoma

[billethkid]

This will be my first season for the snowbird arrival and everyone tells me that it is hell.

I really don't know what people expect during slow or busy season that is either acceptable or unacceptable.

When all the gum banging gets done it is no different than any other place one lives.

Popular places are crowded. Restaurants, the good ones, you have to wait.
One thing that is different here is way too many people all think they have to eat dinner between 4 and 5 pm and get their underwear all in a knot when they have to wait a little. go to dinner after 6:30 usually no problem most places.

Ditto on golf t times....which the complaining is extremely over exaggerated...10 years here and have never not gotten a t time or not been able to play whenever we wanted to play. The griping comes when some don't get the course they want or the time they want......it just is not the problem it is gabbed about.

Traffic...less of a problem than most cities of our population size. The biggest problem here is the newbies who think they have to drive like they did back home. The other is the number of people who are driving and should have turned in their keys years ago.

Does it ease up in the summertime? Some places and some things yes.

Remember now that we approach 100,000 population and for the sake of argument assume 50% are gone in the summertime, hence 50,000 during the slow season....that slow season poulation is 20,000 more than the total population when we moved in to the villages.

All is relative. Hell if you want it to be....just like where you live now!

btk

[Rickg]

I could go for a Starbucks in Brownwood. But being a snowbird for a while yet I think I only get 1/2 of 1 vote. :D

[BS Beef]

I would like to put my vote in for Tim Horton's. :thumbup:Dunkin Doughnuts will due until they arrive :D Starbucks could service as a distant 3rd:sigh:

[Mikeod]

This will be my first season for the snowbird arrival and everyone tells me that it is hell.

As others have posted, it really isn't that bad. The problem, IMO. is that we get spoiled during the May through October period where we can pretty much do what we want when we want. So when our seasonal residents return, the change seems overwhelming and frustrating. What is anticipated this year is that, with the tremendous growth south of 466A, there will be more people than the existing shops, restaurants, golf courses, etc. can handle. As more commercial development occurs and more golf courses are opened, the difficulties will be somewhat reduced. The same thing happened years ago to a lesser degree when they crossed 466 and LSL had not been fully developed/occupied.

[asianthree]

This will be my first season for the snowbird arrival and everyone tells me that it is hell.

yep a little more crowds, but i would not say it's hell

[champion6]

This will be my first season for the snowbird arrival and everyone tells me that it is hell.Whether the statement is true depends on your attitude or point of view. The statement can be made for EVERY warm-weather location.

[cquick]

Whether the statement is true depends on your attitude or point of view. The statement can be made for EVERY warm-weather location.

:agree:
you should see the increase in traffic down by Naples or Ft. Lauderdale or even the beaches by Sarasota like Siesta Key. Much worse than anything we have here. :pepper2:

[scot_atc]

Here Here! for the Caribou Coffee

[TraceyMooreRN]

I would like to see a Texas Roadhouse! My favorite steak place back in Virginia. Not a coffee drinker so that part doesn't bother me.

[patfla06]

The reason that your wish may not come true is that the chains are more likely to open another site. And they have already been successful in this situation where you have a lot of well, people who are careful with their money. That doesn't mean to say that we don't have a lot of people who have a lot of it, but they are still watching it so it doesn't run out before they do.

So, we are likely to have proven winners like Toojays, repeat themselves.

It isn't what we want, it is what we will get. And The Developers can only build buildings and rent them, they can't TELL people to come and open a business.

Sooner or later there will be enough restaurants and businesses to support the new area but THIS season is gonna be ugly.

I agree with you and the reasons.
I like certain duplicates, like Toojays, but not the Chinese place which
I don't like ( do we really need one 1 mile and 3 miles away?)
You're probably right that it will take time to shake out.

[Trish Crocker]

We moved here in January and it really didn't seem any busier than it is now. I'm sure getting a tee time is harder but other than that I didn't see a problem.

[senior citizen]

Starbucks is an essential necessity? Oh, come on!


I agree. No one makes coffee at home anymore?????

(Or, does Starbucks also serve food?)

[graciegirl]

I agree. No one makes coffee at home anymore?????

(Or, does Starbucks also serve food?)

I had Starbucks once, in a hospital waiting room. it was too strong.
In the morning at our house, either Sweetie or Helene makes the coffee and they bring me a cup with a little half and half.

Makes me want to sing the Folgers song.


Back to the subject.

Because the southernmost areas are selling even faster with the return of building only spec homes, I am looking for a lot of traffic problems this high season, especially getting out of the feeder roads to the main drags of Buena Vista and Morse that will take all of the new residents to the existing restaurants and groceries.

We will have much sturm und drang on this forum. I think this is the fastest we have moved foreward in population since I have lived here.

We need to practice deep breaths now and no horn blowing or obscene gestures. ;)

[senior citizen]

I had Starbucks once, in a hospital waiting room. it was too strong.
In the morning at our house, either Sweetie or Helene makes the coffee and they bring me a cup with a little half and half.

Makes me want to sing the Folgers song.


Back to the subject.

Because the southernmost areas are selling even faster with the return of building only spec homes, I am looking for a lot of traffic problems this high season, especially getting out of the feeder roads to the main drags of Buena Vista and Morse that will take all of the new residents to the existing restaurants and groceries.

We will have much sturm und drang on this forum. I think this is the fastest we have moved foreward in population since I have lived here.

We need to practice deep breaths now and no horn blowing or obscene gestures. ;)

So, just with the traffic congestion uppermost in mind (at high season of the year), would you say that certain villages such as :

Virginia Trace
Sabal Chase
Village of Caroline

......would be in good proximity to what Lake Sumter Landing has to offer?
If my memory holds correct, they were the closest.......I'll have to drag out my latest map.

We have no problem with going for "early bird" suppers, but when one has visitors it isn't always easy to get everyone ready at the same time......especially dealing with baby's naptimes, etc..........so in my opinion, it's easier to be closer to whatever it is you want to be close to.

Hubby thoroughly liked being in the upper northwest quadrant past the polo grounds and going north towards Mulberry Grove...which was a small shopping center but did have a Publix. It's a toss.

[oldyeller]

Off topic!

[BnCinME]

Starbucks is past tense - Dunkin Donuts is the future. 4-1 says it will be DD not Starbucks.

Yes, we definitely need a Dunkin Donuts! :agree:

[asianthree]

starbucks bakery need help.( i think they are dry)...but they are testing out new products from france so maybe a good thing..and yea i make good coffee at home..but on a cold day in the cart i still want a really good cup of coffee..and GG if you try blond at starbucks you might find it a good fit for you..not a bold flavor...just a good cup of coffee

[SusanOfWoodbury]

A DD is coming to 466A soon. The new owners of the SS location along with other DD in the area is planning one on 466A

[nkrifats]

A DD is coming to 466A soon. The new owners of the SS location along with other DD in the area is planning one on 466A

Will it be golf cart accesible

[Barefoot]

Have any new restaurants or coffee shops opened at Brownwood? When we left in the Spring, City Fire was pretty much the only restaurant open.

[janmcn]

Wide World of Beer opened a few weeks ago, and they serve food.

[Schaumburger]

Wide World of Beer opened a few weeks ago, and they serve food.

If you go on The Villages web site, on the home page there is a video promoting the opening of the World of Beer. I will have to check out the World of Beer next month when I am visiting TV. :pepper2:

[janeg]

Any coffee shop in Brownwood would be awesome.