Ice Cream Cone Store Sparks Heated Debate in Florida's Swinging Retirement Community
A new ice cream store planned for The Villages, a sprawling retirement community in Florida known for its rumored swinging scene, has ignited a fierce debate among residents. Twistee Treat, a Florida staple recognizable by its 25-foot-tall cone-shaped buildings, is set to open in the area this spring, but not everyone is welcoming the whimsical structure.
Resident Calls Proposed Store an 'Eyesore'
Eighty-four-year-old Marlene Ferrero voiced strong opposition to the design in a letter to the local Villages News, describing it as an "eyesore." She suggested the architectural style would be more suitable for newer family-oriented areas like Middleton and Eastport, where it might blend better with the surroundings. Her comments, shared with the Daily Mail, quickly went viral, sparking a heated online discussion among the community's residents.
Online Backlash and Humorous Suggestions
Many residents rushed to defend Twistee Treat, with one woman quipping on Facebook, "I will not tolerate any Twistee Treat slander! Dip your ice cream in cherry coating, then get back to me!" Others joked that the ice cream cone should be redesigned as an upside-down pineapple—a symbol associated with swinging—or in the shape of a loofah to better appeal to retirees. Rumors persist that residents in The Villages use colored loofahs on their golf carts to signal sexual preferences, adding a layer of local lore to the debate.
"Maybe an upside-down pineapple would be more appropriate," one commenter wrote, while another asked, "Do they want it in the shape of a loofah instead?" A third added, "I heard they wanted the design to look more like a loofah." Despite the criticism, many praised the iconic design as "whimsical," "cool," and definitely not an eyesore.
CEO Responds to Criticism
Twistee Treat CEO Gary Marlin Jr. expressed regret over the negative feedback but stood by the store's iconic design. "I'm sorry they feel that way," he told the Daily Mail, noting that the community had been requesting a store for years. The nearest location is in Ocala, about a 30-minute drive away, making access difficult for elderly residents who rely on golf carts for transportation.
Marlin emphasized that many grandparents in The Villages are excited to bring their grandchildren to the store, creating cherished memories. "Many grandparents and everyone in the village area are looking forward to bringing their grandchildren to have that, and other family members, just to have the memory that they had growing up with Twistee Treat," he said. The store, founded in 1983, offers 40 premium ice cream flavors and has become a beloved fixture in Florida.
The Villages: A Community of Contrasts
Home to over 145,000 residents, The Villages surpasses the size of Manhattan and spans five zip codes. It has gained notoriety for its alleged kinky subculture, including rumors of a thriving swingers scene and the use of loofahs as signals for sexual preferences. A Buzzfeed report detailed how residents might display loofahs on golf cart antennas or wear specific items like red buttons to indicate interest in swinging.
In 2009, The New York Post dubbed the community "ground zero for geriatrics who are seriously getting it on," and a 2014 account from a restaurant worker described a party that escalated into an orgy. However, many residents deny these rumors. "We're not all swingers. We don't all have STDs," a woman named Heather told YouTuber Peter Santanello in 2023, expressing frustration over the preconceived notions about The Villages.
Looking Ahead to the Spring Opening
Despite the controversy, Twistee Treat is scheduled to open in The Villages this spring, offering a sweet treat amid the ongoing debate. Whether viewed as an eyesore or a nostalgic delight, the store's arrival highlights the diverse opinions within this unique Florida community, where ice cream and local lore collide in unexpected ways.
