[Craig Vernon]

Too many points to hit them all so here are a few. I am not a real person. I am trying to create a conspiracy on a site about a retirement location. Yes, I stated some opinions to ask other thoughts to create a discussion. My evil plan was indeed to say how horrible TV are vailed in a question. I am just another expert on TV talking to a bunch of other experts with better opinions than mine. My post sucked with more views and comments than any other one. My plot ends here until I make another random attack on so many of you. Sorry I can't figure out how to make an evil laugh to end here. So have a Great day.

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki

Yes, it sucks here.
Houses are falling down, the squares are a ghosttown, no one is there.

This place has always had part time residents. You don’t think the business model is set up for that?

Seriously, stop believing what you read. You aren’t even here. TOTV represents probably 5% of the Villagers. The VLOGGERS, same thing, they need to complain to get views, no one will watch a YouTube video saying everything is great.

He politely gave current information. Change is always occurring.

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by MsPCGenius

For me..... I don't care for the many boutique shops that are offered within the squares, and so I don't shop there. Women's clothing is very junior league/preppy and much too expensive for my taste. Trendy home decor also expensive.

I couldn't resist a fall outfit at Brownwood (Evelyn & Arthur) for an upcoming trip. I bit the bullet and paid way too much for stretch pants ($80) and long-sleeve sweater ($146). It is quality material that fit well and I looked great in it , but never again will I pay that much...

My Villages lifestyle clothing is more Bealls, Kohl's, etc. Looking forward to having a Target closer to home. Would be nice when shops are vacated that they bring in reasonably priced shopping options.

Small retail problems are not just in TV. Amazon and the better run department stores have taken over,

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by Glowing Horizon

Sorry. By OBG I meant Orange Blossom Gardens. The beginning of it all.

What you said about Spanish Springs is valid but the area is beautiful & lush landscaping with mature trees & a laid-back vibe that the newer areas simply cannot compete with. Many of the homes have features which would be cost-prohibitive to add now, if you could. Being close to commerce, the hospital, doctors, LSL, many golf courses & country clubs as well as major thoroughfares is also hard to beat. In lots of ways, it’s still the heart of TV. The square at SS seems like an opportunity that’s waiting to be fulfilled to me.

Our place is in Poinciana, and when I travel up to Lopez or Hacienda, or SS I see exactly what you describe. It's much more to my liking than what I see when I cart it on down to Southern Oaks.

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by Laker14

As the population outside of TV grows, the market that the commercial interests around the squares target will be less about residents of TV, and more about the "regular" population around TV. Basically it will depend upon who spends money there.

Originally Posted by Jayhawk

Attachment 105607

Indeed. From some of the posts I've read on TOTV, I get the impression that many residents of TV seem to think that the squares are an amenity of TV. Something that we pay for and therefore should be aimed to appeal to an older generation who basically see it as free, or at least "already paid for" entertainment. I've read posts complaining and fretting about seeing "young people obviously up to no good" around the squares at night.

What I envision for the future of the squares is more stuff appealing to the non-TV'ers, who live nearby. That population is also growing, and IMO, more likely to spend money than us old geezers who want to listen to free music (preferably 40 or 50 year old music), while we bring our own booze from home.

[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by Craig Vernon

Too many points to hit them all so here are a few. I am not a real person. I am trying to create a conspiracy on a site about a retirement location. Yes, I stated some opinions to ask other thoughts to create a discussion. My evil plan was indeed to say how horrible TV are vailed in a question. I am just another expert on TV talking to a bunch of other experts with better opinions than mine. My post sucked with more views and comments than any other one. My plot ends here until I make another random attack on so many of you. Sorry I can't figure out how to make an evil laugh to end here. So have a Great day.

Don't fall for the complaints and negativity of so few. With 150,000 + reisdents, there are bound to be some Richard Craniums, and unfortunatly many have found their way to this site.

Learn to ignore them and love your life when you get here.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by Craig Vernon

Too many points to hit them all so here are a few. I am not a real person. I am trying to create a conspiracy on a site about a retirement location. Yes, I stated some opinions to ask other thoughts to create a discussion. My evil plan was indeed to say how horrible TV are vailed in a question. I am just another expert on TV talking to a bunch of other experts with better opinions than mine. My post sucked with more views and comments than any other one. My plot ends here until I make another random attack on so many of you. Sorry I can't figure out how to make an evil laugh to end here. So have a Great day.

You'll learn not to kick the beast, no thought provoking comments are appreciated unless they are about the stock market.

The issues you questioned are excellent thought for fodder and no apologies are needed. (You may notice there is also a certain lack of reading comprehension for some.) Keep posting and don't be deterred by the lock-steppers.

[Packer Fan]

Originally Posted by Craig Vernon

TV's are continuing to struggle internally as residents age and the footprint gets larger. The oldest areas seem to be losing businesses as the shiny new areas develop. It seems to me that it would be very difficult to maintain a business with so many part time residents and an aging population that has less need, desire or ability to leave their homes to support them. Spanish Springs and Sumter landing are losing staple businesses, and there do not seem to be people knocking the doors down to fill any of them. Outside and nearby things are booming with construction and development. Perhaps the apartments, family areas and cheaper housing around TV will save the day. Perhaps the bubble will turn into a landlocked beach town where certain businesses close during off season periods. Your thoughts and opinions welcome. See you as a full-time neighbor coming early next year. Have a Great day!

I am going to reply without reading 9 pages of back and forth so this is what I see. Having been here for 2 months this summer, we have had a lot of time to drive around and shop and it is easy to compare what things were like 10 years ago when we bought our first home in Hillsborough. Spanish springs may be struggling just a bit, but with Blondies in now, it has been hopping.
Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood are BOOMING. LSL is as busy as we have ever seen, and that is in AUGUST. We have been there during the day and in the evening. There are new restaurants and several new businesses (although we lost one we really liked). Overall, if I was collecting rent I would be VERY happy.
Shopping "up north" in the strip malls and "outside the villages" - they can't build stuff fast enough. They are building new stuff up on 466 with a new Hobby Lobby and a lot of other stuff. They are building like crazy on 466A, Wildwood, Fruitland park. Heck, they are opening a new home goods store up by Spanish springs, and BJs is up there now too.....
Brownwood is a constant Jam packed city.

I have to say Craig, I could not disagree more..... Not what we are observing anyway.

PS- Drive by Key St when you are here, you won't recognize it.... we have done a ton of upgrades.

Ed

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by Packer Fan

I am going to reply without reading 9 pages of back and forth so this is what I see. Having been here for 2 months this summer, we have had a lot of time to drive around and shop and it is easy to compare what things were like 10 years ago when we bought our first home in Hillsborough. Spanish springs may be struggling just a bit, but with Blondies in now, it has been hopping.
Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood are BOOMING. LSL is as busy as we have ever seen, and that is in AUGUST. We have been there during the day and in the evening. There are new restaurants and several new businesses (although we lost one we really liked). Overall, if I was collecting rent I would be VERY happy.
Shopping "up north" in the strip malls and "outside the villages" - they can't build stuff fast enough. They are building new stuff up on 466 with a new Hobby Lobby and a lot of other stuff. They are building like crazy on 466A, Wildwood, Fruitland park. Heck, they are opening a new home goods store up by Spanish springs, and BJs is up there now too.....
Brownwood is a constant Jam packed city.

I have to say Craig, I could not disagree more..... Not what we are observing anyway.

PS- Drive by Key St when you are here, you won't recognize it.... we have done a ton of upgrades.

Ed

which restaurant closed up?

[Happydaz]

Originally Posted by Craig Vernon

Too many points to hit them all so here are a few. I am not a real person. I am trying to create a conspiracy on a site about a retirement location. Yes, I stated some opinions to ask other thoughts to create a discussion. My evil plan was indeed to say how horrible TV are vailed in a question. I am just another expert on TV talking to a bunch of other experts with better opinions than mine. My post sucked with more views and comments than any other one. My plot ends here until I make another random attack on so many of you. Sorry I can't figure out how to make an evil laugh to end here. So have a Great day.

Your response is right on. You posted an inflammatory “TV concept struggling as it grows and ages” and sat back and pretended to be looking for information and constructive comments. The homes all over the Villages are well landscaped and well cared for. Like all neighborhoods they will be sold and resold many times over the years and the area will continue to be a popular. Winterpark and Mt Dora, Florida are examples of beautiful communities where retirees from the north originally settled. The older homes there are eagerly snapped up when they go on sale. Middle minded Americans decrying the end of the Villages is a silly, vapid exercise in mendacity.

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by Packer Fan

Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood are BOOMING.

We walked around Brownwood Friday night, it was as crowded on the last Friday in August as it was on any night in February or March.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by Happydaz

Your response is right on. You posted an inflammatory “TV concept struggling as it grows and ages” and sat back and pretended to be looking for information and constructive comments. The homes all over the Villages are well landscaped and well cared for. Like all neighborhoods they will be sold and resold many times over the years and the area will continue to be a popular. Winterpark and Mt Dora, Florida are examples of beautiful communities where retirees from the north originally settled. The older homes there are eagerly snapped up when they go on sale. Middle minded Americans decrying the end of the Villages is a silly, vapid exercise in mendacity.

I wonder if the old people replying so toxically realize that a younger person has more concerns about stability, development and future trends of The Villages than someone with 10 years left on their life, if they're lucky. Posing questions about the future of The Villages is NOT inflammatory, I do think many protest too much... do they fear something?

[Happydaz]

Originally Posted by Aces4

I wonder if the old people replying so toxically realize that a younger person has more concerns about stability, development and future trends of The Villages than someone with 10 years left on their life, if they're lucky. Posing questions about the future of The Villages is NOT inflammatory, I do think many protest too much... do they fear something?

It is one thing to “pose questions about the future of the Villages” and a completely different tone in stating that the “TV concept struggling as it grows and ages.” One states a general question of interest the second quote is inflammatory and insulting to Villagers. Who says the concept is struggling? Some person who doesn’t even live here yet? What does age have to do with accuracy. Maybe people here awhile know how well this place is run and how beautiful all the different Villages are.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Wondering why you want to become full time, with such doomsday forecasting?

I so agree with Bogie Shooter. The population does age and they move on to the village of Heavenly and new and younger people buy their homes. Many businesses have died nationally and globally due to the pandemic....like Movie Theaters and many, many, restaurants cannot get reliable help that shows up and/or knows how to cook....due to the payment of non workers AND many restaurants cannot keep their "budget" status due to the raise of minimum pay. Fast Food is no longer cheap and Villagers do usually have a "fixed" budget or watch what they spend carefully. The problems you see here are everywhere and not a problem with The Villlages. It still is very desired and homes sell quickly for good reason.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by Craig Vernon

Doomsday? An observation about current events. My wife and I love TV's but there are problems developing that are worth discussing. Sorry you don't think so. Be Well!

Many commercial outlets have closed their doors throughout the USA. There is nothing unique happening in the older section of TV. Middleton and Eastport will have a difficult time filling ALL the spaces available.

I read Spanish Springs is getting a new restaurant called the Patio. A neighbor told me City Fire has interest in the World of Beer Location. Things have been changing in Spanish Springs for many many years. When it was first built thirty years ago, there was a vegetable market, bakery, Katie Belles, a church, and a unique home decor store. ALL GONE! Starbucks came and went, as well as several restaurants. Lake Sumter has seen businesses come and go. Brownwood has seen a few turnovers.There is nothing different or alarming happening now. Same ol' same ol'.