Historic Downtown Wildwood has entered the commercial phase of The Railyard development, among other signs of the changing times in the fast-growing Sumter County hub.
The Railyard, a new 8,000-square-foot commercial space, will feature indoor/outdoor dining, retail shops and entertainment venues.
BWC Construction, an Ocala-based general contractor, is handling the build. The site itself is being developed through a public-private partnership between the city of Wildwood and G3 Development.
Located right off Main Street (U.S. 301), near the Oakwood Express Smokehouse, the commercial space is the second major phase of Wildwood’s downtown revitalization master plan, following the completion of the adjacent multistory parking garage in late 2024.
New golf cart and low-speed ordinance adopted
Wildwood’s city commission has adopted an ordinance that requires golf carts and low-speed vehicles to be operated legally on specific city streets, according to a media release from the city’s spokesperson.
The 4-1 vote came at the commission’s regularly scheduled meeting Monday, July 13, morning at City Hall, with Commissioner Joe Elliott opposed.
An interactive street map of where golf carts can be permitted is available at wildwood-fl.gov/building.
The new ordinance, No. O2026-28, supersedes one adopted in 2013 and updated in 2017. It amends and replaces the sections of Chapter 12 in Wildwood’s Code of Ordinances, including the following categories:
“We need to ensure consistency with current state law, align with partner agencies and jurisdictions, and meet the evolving needs of our community,” City Manager Jason McHugh said in the release.
“Wildwood has grown tremendously in the last 13 years since we first addressed these types of vehicles in our code. Golf carts and low-speed vehicles have become vehicles of choice for many and an essential mode of transportation in parts of our city.”
To supplement the ordinance, the city has published an online street map showing where golf carts may operate. Signs have been installed on city roads to help alert the public where golf carts cannot cross or continue traveling due to jurisdictional boundaries or other factors. In addition, Wildwood’s police department will offer free golf cart safety classes and operate a new voluntary golf cart registry.
Why did Commissioner Elliott oppose the ordinance?
In an email to the Daily Commercial, the lone dissenting commissioner explained he thought municipal ordinances could be more stringent than what’s required by the state.
He wants to prevent pedestrian and vehicular accidents.
“If a licensed driver, over 18 years old, loses his license to drive, he can, under the proposed ordinance, drive a golf cart on designated streets,” Elliott said.
“Even if he lost his license for DUI.”
Because Florida law only requires an adult to carry a valid government-issued photo ID (not specifically a driver’s license) to operate a standard golf cart on designated public streets, a person with a suspended or revoked driver’s license can legally drive a standard golf cart, but only if they have an alternative photo ID (like a state ID card or passport) and their license was not suspended for a DUI.
The Yardery coming soon to downtown Wildwood
Look for a major entertainment upgrade too, as construction nears completion on The Yardery’s newest location at 101 S. Main St.
Aiming for an official grand opening later this summer, the highly anticipated indoor-outdoor venue is already roughly 85% to 90% complete.
Following the success of its existing Central Florida sister locations in Sanford and Mount Dora, the new spot features a signature “Eat, Drink & Play” concept tailored for all ages.
The sprawling dine-and-play compound will comprise a vibrant open-air backyard packed with competitive yard games, lawn activities and a dedicated stage built for regular live music performances.
To combat the intense Florida summer heat, the layout pairs its expansive outdoor grounds with fully air-conditioned indoor spaces and a full-service bar pouring local craft beers, wine, and specialty cocktails.
Like its Mount Dora location, a rooftop deck will capture sunset views and anchor private events, community partnerships and corporate gatherings.
Despite not having a finalized opening date on the calendar, anticipation is high enough that management is already actively booking private parties and event layouts through General Manager Eric Smalls (eric@theyardery.com).
Locals eager to catch the official ribbon-cutting announcement are encouraged to monitor the venue’s progress via The Yardery’s official Instagram profile and website.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Wildwood updates golf cart rules as new businesses open downtown
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial | USA TODAY Network
