A new retail center is coming to Osceola County but it comes at a cost. In order to make way for new stores, an old business many consider a staple in the community may have to go.
- New retail center being built near Florida's Turnpike and Irlo Bronson Highway
- Cracker House Saloon will have to be demolished
- Owners told they have 3 to 6 months to move out
The new shopping plaza in St. Cloud will bring stores like Marshalls, Ross and Michael’s, to name a few.
“It’s perfect, we need a mall like that in this area,” said resident JR Gonzalez.
The commercial center will be built on the 32 acres of land near Florida’s Turnpike and East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. The groundbreaking is expected to happen towards the end of the year.
The retail center will be built where the old flea market used to be and where the Cracker House Saloon still stands. In order for construction to start, the existing structures, including the saloon, must be demolished.
Cracker House has been around for decades. Owner Virgil Miller says people don’t just come to have a good time. In the past three years, the saloon and its customers managed to raise more than $100,000 for the community.
“Doing bike runs, events,” Miller said. “Battered woman, children shelters, home food, Thanksgiving, Christmas, clothes, diapers. Pretty much anything.”
“It would be heartbreaking for me. I’ve been coming here for a long time,” said customer Charlie Bennage.
Miller is hoping he can relocate his business. In the meantime, the show must go on.
“It’s a business. I got to keep running it. But we’ve got to figure out what we’re going to do,” Miller said.
The new owners close on this property on May 30. Miller has been told he would have 3 to 6 months to move out.