In the ongoing saga of Freedom Resort & Spa... they've been closed for a few months, ostensibly to do roof repair. They did get a lovely new roof on the main building, and this past week, we noticed that the entry to the bar area seemed lighter and more open. Then, this past week, new banners sprung up outside declaring the venue open!
Two things were missing, though: the big pride flag out front, and the letters "GLBT" from the sign. Seems that since the gay audience didn't materialize in the three or so months they were open, the straight owners decided not to pursue the gay market after all. Funny how, when you act all pretentious, offend people, and don't deliver on your promises, the audience you want doesn't stick with you for very long. Sponsorship and advertising dollars alone do not buy good will.
I wonder what the place actually will become. They didn't do much advertising outside of the local market before, and their old website (freedomresortandspa.com) is down, so it's hard to figure out the true angle. I'm also curious what happened to the money of all the people who actually did buy memberships — full memberships or just club memberships.
My prediction - is a new homeless shelter for Osceola County - that was discussed for awhile several years ago - transportation is the biggest drawback to opening up there...
ReplyDeleteYou beat me to the punchline. I was going to write about the sme thing. I've been watching the activity there and was shocked when I saw the Open banners and the "change" to the sign. Just another f-ing motel on 192 now.
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