Winter Garden’s locally-owned businesses are facing uncertainty as several owners announced their leases are not being renewed, raising concerns about the town’s changing downtown area.Heidi Hardman, owner of Polk Dotz, has been in Winter Garden for 19 years, but she received a letter in January from the new owner of her building.”It was very direct. We have no interest in extending or renewing your lease,” Hardman said.Her neighbor, Three Birds Cafe, is also leaving.Through Orange County property records, WESH2 confirmed that nine commercial buildings, eight along Plant Street, were sold in the last year, leaving locally-owned businesses with nowhere to go. Driftwood Market, located down the street, announced it will be leaving in May.The owner of Three Birds Cafe noted that they are unusually busy on Thursday mornings, attributing the surge to community support after news spread that they would have to leave their location next Thursday.Shopper Debbie Cabrera said, “I heard it on Facebook, it was on rants and raves and all of the sudden it was all over. Once I saw it, I have a friend that’s coming from out of town this weekend, and I told her we got to come downtown and we have to buy.”At least one of the buildings on Plant Street was purchased by Anton RX, which has its own location off the main drive. Another five buildings, including Hardman’s, were sold to Anton Properties Investors. Local business owners are questioning the town’s vision, which has long been built on the shop local ethos.”These are small businesses that are thriving and just getting the rug torn out from under them. For what? Nobody knows,” Hardman said.The city issued a statement saying: “The City is aware of recent purchases of several downtown properties and the impact on certain local businesses. We know that these businesses are valued parts of our downtown brand, and we recognize the deep concerns expressed by residents, fellow business owners, and patrons.Property ownership and lease agreements are private, contractual matters between property owners and tenants. Individuals and corporations have the right to buy, sell, and lease property. The City does not have the legal authority to intervene in or control these private real estate transactions or lease decisions, provided they comply with applicable laws and codes.The City remains committed to supporting a vibrant and desirable downtown. We will continue working with property owners, business operators, and community stakeholders to preserve the character of our downtown, encourage investment, and support opportunities for small locally owned businesses.”Efforts to contact Anton RX and other companies that purchased the buildings have not been successful, as messages left for the owners have not been returned.
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. —
Winter Garden’s locally-owned businesses are facing uncertainty as several owners announced their leases are not being renewed, raising concerns about the town’s changing downtown area.
Heidi Hardman, owner of Polk Dotz, has been in Winter Garden for 19 years, but she received a letter in January from the new owner of her building.
“It was very direct. We have no interest in extending or renewing your lease,” Hardman said.
Her neighbor, Three Birds Cafe, is also leaving.
Through Orange County property records, WESH2 confirmed that nine commercial buildings, eight along Plant Street, were sold in the last year, leaving locally-owned businesses with nowhere to go. Driftwood Market, located down the street, announced it will be leaving in May.
The owner of Three Birds Cafe noted that they are unusually busy on Thursday mornings, attributing the surge to community support after news spread that they would have to leave their location next Thursday.
Shopper Debbie Cabrera said, “I heard it on Facebook, it was on rants and raves and all of the sudden it was all over. Once I saw it, I have a friend that’s coming from out of town this weekend, and I told her we got to come downtown and we have to buy.”
At least one of the buildings on Plant Street was purchased by Anton RX, which has its own location off the main drive. Another five buildings, including Hardman’s, were sold to Anton Properties Investors. Local business owners are questioning the town’s vision, which has long been built on the shop local ethos.
“These are small businesses that are thriving and just getting the rug torn out from under them. For what? Nobody knows,” Hardman said.
The city issued a statement saying:
“The City is aware of recent purchases of several downtown properties and the impact on certain local businesses. We know that these businesses are valued parts of our downtown brand, and we recognize the deep concerns expressed by residents, fellow business owners, and patrons.
Property ownership and lease agreements are private, contractual matters between property owners and tenants. Individuals and corporations have the right to buy, sell, and lease property. The City does not have the legal authority to intervene in or control these private real estate transactions or lease decisions, provided they comply with applicable laws and codes.
The City remains committed to supporting a vibrant and desirable downtown. We will continue working with property owners, business operators, and community stakeholders to preserve the character of our downtown, encourage investment, and support opportunities for small locally owned businesses.”
Efforts to contact Anton RX and other companies that purchased the buildings have not been successful, as messages left for the owners have not been returned.
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