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The Villages
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Waterfront Inn shuts down at Lake Sumter Landing

The Waterfront Inn has closed its doors at Lake Sumter Landing, another casualty in the Coronavirus crisis.

A sign on the door at the hotel is referring would-be guests to the Brownwood Hotel & Spa, which remains open.

The parking lot at the Waterfront Inn is empty.

The Waterfront Inn opened its doors more than a decade ago and filled a void in The Villages. The upscale hotel in an ideal location began offering plenty of space for meetings and events. It also offers a popular bar and Amelia’s restaurant, both of which had been closed prior to the closure of the hotel.

Earlier in the week, a crew was spotted removing furniture from the hotel.

The Waterfront Inn through the years has hosted famous guests ranging from Mitt Romney to Merle Haggard.

Brian Kilmeade of Fox & Friends was a guest at the Waterfront Inn in 2011.
The Waterfront Inn at Lake Sumter Landing is popular each year with those attending Leesburg Bikefest.

This would normally be an extremely busy season for the Waterfront Inn, with plenty of spring breakers, Easter visitors and those seeking a quiet, comfortable place to stay during Leesburg Bikefest.

The COVID-19 epidemic has changed all of that, turning the usually bustling town squares in The Villages into ghost towns.

The Villages Entertainment Department on March 17 pulled the plug on music at the town squares. Restaurant dining rooms and bars were closed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, although some remain open and are offering take-out service.

The Starbucks at Lake Sumter Landing closed its doors this past weekend. Panera remains open for take out  at Lake Sumter Landing. Its hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Barnes & Noble was also open as of Friday morning.

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