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The economic downturn has taken a toll on everyone, including some small business owners who have tried hard to make a go of it.  Even though some new businesses are still opening up in the Davenport area, others have fallen victims to the slow economy.

The Highwayman Tavern that was scheduled for operation last year has still never made a grand opening and sits vacant at the corner of I-4 West and Hwy. 27.  The new Italian Restaurant that opened earlier in the year at the Deer Creek Plaza has already closed its doors, but a new vendor is taking over the premises and will be similar to a sports bar. 

The British Pub that was located across the street from Posner Park has been taken over by "the Irish" and is now called "The Shamrock."   The fish n' chips restaurant that was located in the Rosenberry Plaza on Hwy. 27 did not survive this tough economy and is now closed. 

Still unconfirmed are reports that a large chain restaurant and major movie theatre complex that were both scheduled for Posner Park have backed out, at least for now.  Hopefully, they will be back in the planning phase soon, as they are very much needed in the Davenport area.

There is a noticeable shift from short term vacation rentals to more long term residents in Davenport, as homeowners change to more stable rental income and less management expenses.  This will provide the stability needed to bring the Davenport area to a more "residential" community and in time will also bring the services needed:   more stores, restaurants, movie theatres, health facilities, and other services, not to mention more jobs.

As the economy forces changes upon all of us, some of those changes will help us progress to a stronger, more positive future in economic development, especially in Davenport.