Want to make money with it turn it into a indoor pickle ball facility and charge by the hour

I would have been one of those “five people” attending the classic movies at the Sharon had I been a resident last summer. Wish there was a greater demand for watching classic movies on the big screen here, but alas that is not the case. Most prefer their own homes. I remember in the 80s and 90s, there were many movie theatres in San Francisco that showed nothing but double-features of classic movies, who’s titles changed daily. Really introduced me to so many classic movies from the silents of the 20s up to the 50s. I was attending the monthly showing for film noir titles at the Savannah Center up until May. Don’t know if that is just on hiatus for the summer, or if that has been discontinued. Those showings seemed to attract a decent sized crowd for their afternoon schedule. Well, thank goodness for my large flat screen TV and the TCM channel to get my classic movie fix. 😀

People don’t come because….

They have an 85” TV in their living room
They can watch the same movies, from the 6 streaming services they pay for
They can pause when natures calls
They can make their own snacks and drinks at home
They can watch the movie at 1 in the afternoon or 9PM
They can watch the movie in their pajamas
They can move the 85” TV into their Lanai/Birdcage if they want and invite neighbors.

I agree with those, but I don't go because there are always people who talk or use a cell phone during the movie.

Read the fine print in the petition. Do you really want to receive these emails after signing?

What about showing movies that are more enjoyable on the big screen?
How about introducing live theatre. May not be Broadway but it could make for a nice afternoon or evening.

It is a shame they remain closed. What other theatre has a stuffed miniature horse you can pet?

Look around…..live theater exists in TV.

I believe indoor pickleball is included in the plans for Eastport. Not sure anyone would try to open a business that charges for something the residents will be able to get for free. Someone will see potential in that building and will be willing to sign an extended lease. Perhaps it will turn into some sort of medical facility. I could see that happening. Who knows? We will just have to wait and see!

But can you feed it? Asking for a friend

Still have a theater
 

[QUOTE=Taltarzac725;2232840]What is it that you people do not get? Movie theaters like basketball courts are features for homeowners and their visiting family members leading better lives in the Villages rather than having to go to Ocala or Leesburg to see movies on the big
screens.

You don't have to go to Ocala there are 8 screens in LSL Old Mill and it is a mere 6 miles from Brownwood and 3 miles from Spanish Springs. The town we moved from has a population of approx 200,000 and has one theater in a mall advertising 14 screens, but have now closed half of them... With the number of new "block buster" movies being introduced 7 is more than enough. But if 8 screens is not enough to entertain out of town guests, then Ocala it is.
BTW, not one City Council meetings in my previous town had the subject of needing more movie theaters or to reopen the other 7 on their calendar.

The beauty of living in the US is that one can take the risk and open a business of their own. If you think this would be a good investment start having discussions with the developer to see if they will lease the theater to you so you can reopen it. The developer is not going to listen to you or pay attention to any petition you present.

There's someone in the Historic Section who shows Christmas movies on their garage door. They have an old-time movie theatre popcorn machine, and a cooler with small water bottles. They offer this for free, the only rule is, it's golf-carts only, no cars. They also have an "open house" cookout once a year with hotdogs and hamburgers. They said that they just love meeting their neighbors and feeling that whole community spirit, and that's why they do it. Really sweet couple.

[QUOTE=BiPartisan;2233175]Was your previous town a retirement community?? I'm guessing not. Comparing apples to oranges. You can't compare The Villages to an average US demographic. We are retired, good disposable income, lots of time for recreational activities like movies, etc. The movie industry is in a state of flux, evolving, and is coming to terms with streaming options and home theater. Will it re-invent itself? Remains to be seen. But in the meantime, we have to remember it takes years to get a movie through production and onto the big screen. During the pandemic, there was almost a complete shut down, so it took awhile to the scripts written, financing arranged, production, advertising, etc. From what I've read, 2023 is projected to be a banner year for the movie industry. That said, I agree, with those who think we need two movie theaters. There is no question that it is false advertising if the Villages markets the community as having "x" number of theaters, and really doesn't have that amount.

The LSL movie theater is not open in the evenings so I doubt old movies would even cover the cost when everyone that can stream the same old movie would watch it at their convenience in their favorite chair.