[sunrico90]

I stop and check the store is huge, different lay-out more space to walk and better organization. Everybody from Fort Walton Beach, Pcola, Milton and Gulf Breeze were checking the place out.


http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/...=2007701100319

That’s the story from the Pensacola News Journal. Wal-Mart is constantly working to adapt, improve and test new ideas to make everyday needs more convenient and affordable for America’s working families. The brand new Supercenter opening on January 19th in Navarre, Florida is just one more example of just how much Wal-Mart listens to its customers.

Moderator cut: copyright

http://www.forwalmart.com/

[pianogal]

It's interesting that Orlando is putting the brakes on the big box stores and Walmart is talking lawsuit according to an article in today's Orlando Sentinel.

Some of the new criteria is this is passed includes:

All stores bigger than 75,000 square feet must get a special exception to county rules to be built. For example, stores such as Wal-Mart, Target and Home Depot would have to get permission from a zoning board and then go before the County Commission for final approval.

It would prohibit big-box stores within 1,000 feet of any school and would forbid a 24-hour operation within 1,500 feet of a single-family-home neighborhood.

The ordinance also would prohibit one company from having two big-box stores within a 10-mile radius, even if they are different brands. For example, a Wal-Mart would not be permitted within 10 miles of a Sam's Club because they are owned by the same company.

Other proposed requirements are:
at least one security guard on the premises at all times, a bus shelter on the property, and a system to keep shopping carts from leaving the sites.

Also the board tacked on a requirement that no other business has to meet in Orange County: that big-box companies pay in advance for their own demolition.The companies would be required to buy demolition bonds the county could use if a store is vacated and not maintained.

It will be interesting to see what becomes of this. I know a community down the road from us - a new community of 600K+ homes banded with our community and a couple of others from Vista Lakes/Lake Nona and successfully stopped a Walmart from getting built in our area. It would have literally been in the backyard of these luxury homes.

[macguy]

Originally Posted by pianogal

It's interesting that Orlando is putting the brakes on the big box stores and Walmart is talking lawsuit according to an article in today's Orlando Sentinel.

Some of the new criteria is this is passed includes:

All stores bigger than 75,000 square feet must get a special exception to county rules to be built. For example, stores such as Wal-Mart, Target and Home Depot would have to get permission from a zoning board and then go before the County Commission for final approval.

It would prohibit big-box stores within 1,000 feet of any school and would forbid a 24-hour operation within 1,500 feet of a single-family-home neighborhood.

The ordinance also would prohibit one company from having two big-box stores within a 10-mile radius, even if they are different brands. For example, a Wal-Mart would not be permitted within 10 miles of a Sam's Club because they are owned by the same company.

Other proposed requirements are:
at least one security guard on the premises at all times, a bus shelter on the property, and a system to keep shopping carts from leaving the sites.

Also the board tacked on a requirement that no other business has to meet in Orange County: that big-box companies pay in advance for their own demolition.The companies would be required to buy demolition bonds the county could use if a store is vacated and not maintained.

It will be interesting to see what becomes of this. I know a community down the road from us - a new community of 600K+ homes banded with our community and a couple of others from Vista Lakes/Lake Nona and successfully stopped a Walmart from getting built in our area. It would have literally been in the backyard of these luxury homes.

These stores can be a great convenience but if you live close they are a nightmare. It doesn't matter if they are open 24 hours or not, the operation goes on 24 hours with trucks delivering all night. I know someone who had a Home Depot built right down the street and they could not give away their home when they tried to sell it. The value must have gone down 40% or more.


Home Depot made all kinds of promises when they were building but once they were operational they started right away cheating and it goes on from there. The cities are hard pressed to deal with people like them once they are opened, they do what they want it seems and if you don't like it they will keep you in court for years.

Look at Donald Trump right now with his flag deal. They are fining him $1200. a day. Do you think he cares? No, he just sued the city for $20,000,000 over the issue. Cities are afraid of people with big money, they can get away with doing almost what ever they want and these big stores are the same deal.

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by macguy

These stores can be a great convenience but if you live close they are a nightmare. It doesn't matter if they are open 24 hours or not, the operation goes on 24 hours with trucks delivering all night. I know someone who had a Home Depot built right down the street and they could not give away their home when they tried to sell it. The value must have gone down 40% or more.


Home Depot made all kinds of promises when they were building but once they were operational they started right away cheating and it goes on from there. The cities are hard pressed to deal with people like them once they are opened, they do what they want it seems and if you don't like it they will keep you in court for years.

Look at Donald Trump right now with his flag deal. They are fining him $1200. a day. Do you think he cares? No, he just sued the city for $20,000,000 over the issue. Cities are afraid of people with big money, they can get away with doing almost what ever they want and these big stores are the same deal.

Very good point, I'll let everyone know how this works in Navarre. We visited last night after 9PM and was not that busy.

[arnott101]

Is there any word on which Walmart was blocked in Lakenona/vista Lakes area. There are talks of a walmart on Dowden and Narcoosee to be opened this year, so is this the Walmart that was stopped? I can not find any information on this stoping of walmart that you explained in your blog. This is all i found when I googled it.
Dated in Orlando Business Journal January 8, 2008. This is very recent, so is this the one your thinking of?


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[tallrick]

I hope that they sue the city and tie it up in court for years. Anyway, the "big box" stores will die out when gas is 8.00 a gallon. I would not give a damn if a Wal-Mart or home depot was built next door to me, I would just take advantage of the noise to get my cars and equipment fixed without fear of disturbing neighbors. It's better to have a "big box" store nearby than a community of rental apartments.

[randian]

Originally Posted by tallrick

I hope that they sue the city and tie it up in court for years. Anyway, the "big box" stores will die out when gas is 8.00 a gallon.

I doubt it. Big box stores are one-stop shopping, which greatly reduces the amount of driving you have to do. The more expensive gas is the more appealing big box stores are.

[Karry]

WOW......I'd love to see the new Supercenter. I work at a small Wal-Mart in Naples. We have a truck that comes in every other early evening and unloaded by 8:00 p.m.. Of course it depends on how many pieces are on this 53 foot truck. Last night it was a 1,300 piece truck and other nights it could range to 2,400 pieces. We try to go by the rules and regulations. Our garden center where the plants are shuts down at 6:00 p.m. and the forklift is only used during daylight hours. When it is a headache is during a new remodel. Even for us workers! Were a 24/7 store and have many customers come all hours because of their work, it's the only time they have to shop. And then we have the bread, milk, and diapers gang. Help me please gang. Luggage got lost or on another flight and they have to have a fresh change of clothes, and a little bit of everything. Or the fellow holding his face because he has a bad toothache at 3:00 a.m.. Then of course the bad news gang that steals from us. Now I'm part of the rambling gang lol.

[sunrico90]

For our area Wal-mart does provide a source for all sorts of stuff. Years back I had to drive to Gulf Breeze or Fort Walton past 8PM to get some basic stuff. Now is only a 7 minute drive. The other two supermarkets (Publix/WD) adjusted to the new giant and still open and with their on clientèle. The ACE hardware store was not affected, the local plants nurseries are all opened and doing well.

As a previous member mentioned: fresh clothes if you luggage is heading to California: priceless