Large Land Purchase
 

The Villages with Benderson has purchased 3,400 acre Monarch Ranch
in Wildwood

Benderson spends $70M on acquisitions in Sarasota, Sumter counties | Business Observer

Looks like a play on buying the land to control it more than just develop it. It's zoned industrial and adjacent to existing parts of TV. It doesn't appear to be very feasible to rezone this land to residential as the main railway corridor goes through it. Would be good land for distribution centers and logistics though. The rumored Costco in Wildwood on SR44 appears to border this land.

They are readying 7 million sq. feet of industrial space on the east side of 301 in Coleman and already have a industrial park on the west side of 301 with rail down there, I can see them having a huge industrial park at the ranch with rail sidings, etc. Not too many have the finances to do something like that.

Diversification.
They are expanding their interests in Sumter County to beyond residential.
It's good for them since residential building will last a few more decades, and then what? Better to be ready with a new plan.
Good for the county, long term the economy has to diversify from the home building centric economy that it is. If it doesn't then thousands of jobs become at risk and so does the economy.
Good for the residents, pushing the tax base towards more commercial/industrial and away from the currently heavily dependent on residential properties eases the tax burden on residents. Also, high unemployment would degrade property values from multiple causes.

Most reading this will be unlikely to live beyond the start of development in this huge swath of land. This is definitely long term planning.

I say good on them. I’m sure whatever they do with the land is going to be something great!

Buc-ees
 

Perfect spot for a Bus-ees.

A Bukees and a costco at the same location?????

But, but, what about trees? O never mind.

One going in in north Ocala excess to I75.

Within the about the last year they did build a Buc-ee's and a Costco across the street from at each other odd I95 and Int. Golf Pkwy.

The land purchase was mentioned to us by someone who owns a ranch near Monarch Ranch. Also Mentioned there would be another large ranch up for sale and in the mix soon.

He did say if anyone was buying TV would be better than others, but had hoped the train tracks would be their only neighbor for a long time.

The new Buc-ee’s in Ocala is slated to be the largest built. Until the next one.

Buckees
 

Building one in Wisconsin also just north of Madison.

My wife’s hairdresser’s sister-in-law’s sister’s brother told her for a fact that COSCO and Buccee’s are absolutely building there in a joint venture and will have a joint “Grand Opening” scheduled for April 1, 2025!!! Please keep this information secret!!!

Part of the land on 301 has sale sign that states Retail.

There is a Bucee’s and Costco on I95 near St. Augustines and both are doing just fine.