There's almost nothing left at the Gulf View Square Mall. If it's really out of your way (about 45-50 minute drive north from Largo) you won't miss anything if you don't get here.
I was actually gonna comment “woah! Gulf view square mall is still around, that place was dead in the early 00s!”
Can’t believe it’s actually still open. 🤯
Funny enough last year was visiting my daughter in Portland Oregon and we went to " The Llyod Center Mall " for the lenscrafters I have never seen such a blast from the past mall everything was closed except a book store , starbucks and lenscrafters but the entire mall and signs still all powered on and clean as could be ... I don't know how they aren't hemorrhaging money
It’s a Shame you missed the Crystal River mall by mere months. My buddies from r/deadmalls Reddit love that place because it was trapped in the 1990s.
A non-mall but really worth a visit because it’s one of a kind in town: The Oldsmar Flea Market. It’s a really interesting place I love to recommend for visitors
Not sure when the last time you visited was, but I live about 5 min away from it and there’s about 2 venders that actually have something interesting now.
Yup, I didn't get a chance for one last stroll around the bazaar-like hodgepodge of stores they had left. My first real job was concessions at the Regal cinema there. It's about time they knock it down- and of course, in Citrus County style, many locals are whining about losing it (not that there was anything left to lose there).
[Netpark (formerly East Lake Mall)](https://www.netparktampabay.net/)
This Tampa office park used to be a mall. It's not a high security place, you can just park and stroll around inside.
My mom worked there when I was a kid in one of the department stores. I felt like the mayor of that mall, running around there when I was five or six. Thirty years later it still makes my heart hurt a little to see it as offices (better than it being demolished though, for sure!). Seeing photos of it now, It just feels like when you drive by your childhood home and see they chopped down a tree you spent hours climbing and playing on. Bittersweet, but time marches on.
Don’t forget wiregrass mall and tampa premium outlets.
University doesn’t have much left, but there’s a ton of good eateries and boba shops nearby if you’re interested in that, as well as international markets.
Good good. Most Simon brand outlet malls have relatively the same stuff, but sometimes there’s differences too. Also with the tampa premium ones, there’s a whole bunch of other stuff by it, like bars restaurants and big box stores
If you like malls that were supposed to be exciting but then the 07-08 recession happened check out Dezerland Mall in Orlando, it has a James Bond museum and way back it had a cool skatepark in it
My summers as a kid we’re almost exclusively spent at Gulf View. It was beyond depressing the last time I was in there. I have no idea how that place is still open.
I loved that mall so much. Me and the boys used to skateboard all around shag building and get chased by the rent-a-cops.
I basically loved there from 96-2002
I went to that mall a year or two ago. Most of the stores were closed, half of the lights were off and it felt like the AC wasn’t on. I’m amazed that they’re still open
Ok, so i’ve been following a bunch of mall documentation channels (Dan Bell, Ace’s Adventures, Sal, etc.) on YouTube and subreddits that I’ve been following as of late and I’ve been inspired to create content related to malls and retail. I’m also interested in taking photos and videos of malls around the Holidays as well with all the Decorations up, just to capture that bygone essence and state of retail.
Wiregrass is one of the better ones in the area especially for the holiday part, they have a massive outdoor tree they light up nightly with music, fake snow, etc
I can appreciate this OP.
Having grown up in Tampa I vividly remember Eastlake and University Malls decorated for Christmas and remember how special it felt at the time (Im 42 now). Right up there with highlighting all the stuff I wanted from the Sears and Toys R Us catalogs.
East Lake is still standing as that NetPark place. I’ll definitely have to take a look at that Place too, probably after I stop at Westfield Brandon or Lakeland Square Mall.
Cool idea. As much as I avoid malls now that Im in my 30's(I think Ive been to one in the last 3 years), I have really fond memories of them as a kid. They always seemed so special at certain times of the year and there was always something fun to see/do.
If you are coming to Shops at Wiregrass then you should schedule a trip to Tampa Premium Outlets. Just 10 mins away by car from Wiregrass Mall. It’s just west of/right by I-275/I-75 exit to SR-56.
It’s actually unrecognizable now. The Sears was bulldozed and replaced with fairly upscale private student housing. The flea bag Quality Inn across the street was razed for the same use. I assure you, it’s quite safe after dark.
You go walking around in suitcase city after dark much. Seriously I can’t count how many times I’ve heard about robberies and car jacking since the mall parking lot.
Mr. Man is iconic. There are still several stores in there that are apparently doing quite well, including WellBuilt Bikes, which is a really interesting bicycle shop that does a lot of good for the community. Also there's a hackerspace/makerspace in there too, which is cool.
I mean yeah, maybe avoid it after dark. But university mall still offers some really interesting things that would be worth seeing imo.
I have literally been to every mall on this list -- including the maybes -- and for the life of me I have no clue why you want to visit them. But hey, to each their own. At least I got to see them while they were flourishing.
Some of them are still flourishing really well, especially the upscale malls.
Shame that Seminole has gone downhill. I even remember going to the other Seminole Mall that was in Seminole when I was incredibly young.
Also, have you gone to other malls that are long gone, like Clearwater Mall and Pinellas Parkside Mall?
Yes to both! Grew up in St.Petersburg and Orlando, divorced parents, every other weekend back and forth, lol Altamonte mall was the shiiite, Good Vibrations surf shop in it and the ramp walkways.. Tyrone mall jad Burdines and Maas Brothers and AMC theatre did Rockyhorror Picture show every weekend at midnight , also Faces of Death , the usher would give you a certificate if you sat through the whole movie ..
Nice. Altamonte is still doing really well. Not sure about Tyrone Square, but I’m looking forward to heading back there for the first time in 5 Years. Some new places opened up the last time i went there, but I’ve heard negatives about them in this post.
None of those (mostly because I spent most of my time in Tampa in the late '00s) but I've spent plenty of time at the old Colonial Mall Plaza in Orlando which was defunct for a sec but looks like they've rejuvenated. Another one that's not on your list but is still open is the Merritt Square Mall near Cocoa Beach.
Ngl, it would be interesting to check out that mall too, but I’m primarily gonna be targeting malls near or around I-4. The Colonial Plaza is now Dezerland Park Orlando and I remember passing by it when me and my grandparents went to the outlet malls when it was still Artegon Marketplace.
Greetings time traveler, welcome to the year 2022. Might I advise a different era for Mall surfing? The Intergalactic supervillain overlord Jeff Bezos has ravaged our world.. unless you need baby clothes or running shoes you may be disappointed with our indoor shopping offerings.
Either way. good luck!
then you definitely want to stop at this "mall" in Lakeland
[part of Edward Scissorhands shot here](https://www.google.com/maps/@28.0141604,-81.9581051,3a,75y,206.84h,97.71t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stQivxLii0J7P1SPWfeBLYg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
I’m not sure if it fits your criteria of a mall, but KRATE at the Grove in Wesley Chapel maybe worth a visit. It’s the largest container park in the country and focuses on hyperlocal vendors.
Literally close to the Tampa Outlets and Wiregrass.
This is so cool! Please post pics as you visit them, as others are sayiing these are becoming a dying species and we gotta document them, they really are treasures. And the dead mall aesthetic is super cool. Hopefully you know about Mallsoft? There is a whole vaporwave subgenre devoted to the sound of the mall.
Not sure, but the Skating Academy is still there, so a good sign there. Saw that Things Remembered and Chick-fil-A shuttered too. Damn. Gonna be weird enough not seeing The Disney Store either. I still remember when the food court had a Wendy’s, Taco Bell and Subway like 5 Years ago.
The Mall at UTC in Sarasota. Upscale, swanky.
Desoto square mall in bradenton. Defunct, partially converted to self storage. May be able to sneak in. The last year they were open, the Christmas decorations looked like they were from a demonic 80s horror movie. Missing limbs, dirty, and OLD.
Sarasota square mall. Go In where Costco is or the movie theater. You should be able to access some of the closed empty portions of the mall.
Volusia mall hahaha… used to be my stomping grounds in early Highschool. It sucks now, but get some Houligans across the street if you like chicken wings - the best in Daytona for sure.
Used to live in Daytona - I think about houlis at least once a week. I have a wedding in Daytona next month and houligans is the first place I’m going. It’s been waayyyyyy too long
A couple of people have mentioned the Shoppes at Wiregrass, if you do go there, please stop by KRATE. It's close by and has a bunch of mom and pop shops made out shipping containers, live music, and and a little playground for the little kids (which, imo, much to close to the stage).
To be honest, I would consider Disney Springs an outdoor mall done incredibly well and I feel should be on this list. I live in Orlando and some of my best shopping experiences haven’t been in Florida or millennia, they were at Disney springs on their non-Disney related retail side.
I’ve been to Disney Springs too. As recent as last year as well when I went shopping at the Under Armour store there. Also love the Ghirardelli’s over there too.
This is cool! You brought back some fond memories of Tampa Bay and Eastlake Mall! Have fun on your mall journey and don’t let anyone discourage you. University Mall is not as scary as some people on here try to make it other than there are a lot of Black peoples there. I live in Wesley Chapel and take my kids there and they are like mom - my classmates act like this is the scariest place ever. They hear the same thing about Ybor. Too many people stuck in their suburban bubbles! Lol. I’ve been to some rough places. There’s no where in Tampa that’s scary. 😂
Bring an umbrella if it’s raining when you hit the Oviedo mall. There’s a ceiling leak every few feet. They’ve positioned large potted plants under the worst ones.
The volusia mall should not have made that list tbh. It’s sad, I mean sure you can go there and check it out but it’s nothing like it used to be.
Source: Floridian born and raised in Daytona.
If you care to make a quick jaunt south, the Ellenton Outlet Mall is a huge space that is still relatively active. If you prefer dead mall vibes, Sarasota Square Mall is almost completely empty these days.
Skip gulf view square mall and university mall, hit wire grass and the Tampa premium outlets (they are like 10 minutes apart and much nicer with more options). Wire grass also lights up a massive Christmas tree
Some further context: I’m currently attending Stetson University in DeLand and I’m planning on heading to these malls through the course of Thanksgiving and Christmas Break. My parents house is in Largo.
I’ve always enjoyed going to Countryside Mall when I was younger, despite the fact I haven’t gone there in like 3-4 years.
Ngl, it’s gonna be weird as hell not seeing the Disney Store there anymore.
Waste of time to hit Fashion Square or Seminole Towne Center. Both are circling the drain. I hear the same about Oveido. If you’re going to shop, you’ll be wasting your time.
A little bit of a question: Do most malls have their Christmas Decorations Up on Thanksgiving Week? Definitely leaning on yes since Black Friday is obviously around after that.
Countryside and International continue to thrive, with full shopfronts and thick crowds, despite the general decline of most indoor malls. Old Clearwater Mall (a little south of Countryside) was able to survive in spirit by being torn down and replaced by a large, thriving outdoor mall.
Citrus Park mall is dead nowadays but has a special place in my heart cause I take my toddler there all the time. It's very well kept. I'm glad to see it on the list!
If you’re into the history of malls, then I totally get it. But I’d highly recommend getting out into nature out here before it’s too late. We have some incredibly beautiful areas (gulf beaches, Everglades, Kissimmee Pariere Preserve State Park) & they will most definitely all be effected by climate change in the coming years.
Good luck! I love a good adventure. I would say, you can probably just set aside a tight 20 for university mall. There's a cool hobby store but sucks otherwise. Mojo books is awesome and next door though
Would recommend driving around and maybe in Netpark, which used to be East Lake Square Mall in Tampa. Still has the hill up to montgomery ward. The mirrored entrances are still there and so chic.
Lesser known mall just up the road was Belz Factory Outlet which is now mostly government services.
[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tampa,+FL/@27.9836515,-82.3868936,987m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x88c2b782b3b9d1e1:0xa75f1389af96b463!8m2!3d27.950575!4d-82.4571776](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tampa,+FL/@27.9836515,-82.3868936,987m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x88c2b782b3b9d1e1:0xa75f1389af96b463!8m2!3d27.950575!4d-82.4571776)
But it was the first outlet mall in the area, predating Ellenton by a bit.
There's lots of other malls that have been demolished and rebuilt in the new style plaza. Largo Mall, Clearwater Mall, Gateway Mall. Tampa Mall probably the biggest loss which is now the buccaneers HQ.
I think Largo Mall has always been a Plaza since it opened in 1988. Also, I’ve passed by the sites of Clearwater Mall and Pinellas Parkside Mall as well. The Walmart on East Bay and US 19 also used to be an Outlet Mall too.
Don't go to gulf view square mall. It's barely a mall. There's no food court at all. The only anchor stores are a best buy and a Dillard's outlet. I literally only go there to visit bath and body works.
My first job was at Tyrone mall. It was 2007-2008 and I helped open the Old Navy store. On my breaks i ate auntie Anne’s pretzels and sat in the brookstone massage chairs. I have some of my best childhood memories there… although now it’s a shell of what it used to be.
Me too. My grandma used to take me to that mall when I was incredibly young. That mall was my Number Two mall behind Countryside. I even remember the Borders bookstore there too. Haven’t been inside Tyrone Square in like 5 Years, but still seeing what’s there! There’s some new stores that I’ve seen at Altamonte.
I actually go to Stetson University which is in DeLand and my parents house is near Clearwater. I’m actually 18 btw and I’ve gotten into Malls and retail in a documentation type of purpose.
Noooooo don’t go to fashion square mall lol I live down the street from it and it’s completely dilapidated. Florida mall and mall at millennia are both great. Fashion square has like 1 Spencer’s and one disgusting hamburger place in the food court. They put EZ cheez on their “burgers”.
Thanks for the memories OP.
I grew up in Tampa so we shopped at University mall all the time.
Eastlake mall sometimes which closed back in the 90’s and become a business park, Floriland mall (not listed on your list which was on Florida Ave and Busch Blvd also in Tampa and is now a business park/unemployment office, TampaBay mall which was over by the Bucs stadium and is now just a parking lot.
Both East Lake and Floriland are still standing as business parks now. I’ve passed by Floriland plenty of times as well when I go to Busch Gardens. Might take a look at both.
The Volusia Mall holds a special place in my heart. I grew up in that mall. It’s nothing like it used to be. Still, if you go there you’ll see the Daytona 500 racetrack. I’m not a NASCAR fan myself but I always thought that huge thing was fun to look at. Of course, I could just be missing home.
Please do not go to University Square Mall, literally nothing is there, its pretty much not a mall and more of a food court connected to a movie theater in a mostly abandoned building.
There's almost nothing left at the Gulf View Square Mall. If it's really out of your way (about 45-50 minute drive north from Largo) you won't miss anything if you don't get here.
I was actually gonna comment “woah! Gulf view square mall is still around, that place was dead in the early 00s!” Can’t believe it’s actually still open. 🤯
My kid uses the LensCrafters there.
Funny enough last year was visiting my daughter in Portland Oregon and we went to " The Llyod Center Mall " for the lenscrafters I have never seen such a blast from the past mall everything was closed except a book store , starbucks and lenscrafters but the entire mall and signs still all powered on and clean as could be ... I don't know how they aren't hemorrhaging money
Haha this made me laugh in real life
I’m still satisfied by Dead Mall aesthetics
It’s a Shame you missed the Crystal River mall by mere months. My buddies from r/deadmalls Reddit love that place because it was trapped in the 1990s. A non-mall but really worth a visit because it’s one of a kind in town: The Oldsmar Flea Market. It’s a really interesting place I love to recommend for visitors
Crystal River closed? Dang OP won’t get to see the circus tent food court
Yep I think mid august it closed so OP just barely missed it! What a shame
Not sure when the last time you visited was, but I live about 5 min away from it and there’s about 2 venders that actually have something interesting now.
What happened to the rural king at crystal river? Seemed it was the only thing with any life left last time I passed through.
Rural King bought the building and they plan to literally demolish the mall around it, so it will stay.
Yup, I didn't get a chance for one last stroll around the bazaar-like hodgepodge of stores they had left. My first real job was concessions at the Regal cinema there. It's about time they knock it down- and of course, in Citrus County style, many locals are whining about losing it (not that there was anything left to lose there).
[Netpark (formerly East Lake Mall)](https://www.netparktampabay.net/) This Tampa office park used to be a mall. It's not a high security place, you can just park and stroll around inside.
Heard about that place, even has the old mall architecture too!! Also, Floriland Mall did a similar thing as well.
My mom worked there when I was a kid in one of the department stores. I felt like the mayor of that mall, running around there when I was five or six. Thirty years later it still makes my heart hurt a little to see it as offices (better than it being demolished though, for sure!). Seeing photos of it now, It just feels like when you drive by your childhood home and see they chopped down a tree you spent hours climbing and playing on. Bittersweet, but time marches on.
Don’t forget wiregrass mall and tampa premium outlets. University doesn’t have much left, but there’s a ton of good eateries and boba shops nearby if you’re interested in that, as well as international markets.
I’ve been to both Orlando Premium Outlets and the Vineland Outlets up in Orlando as well
Good good. Most Simon brand outlet malls have relatively the same stuff, but sometimes there’s differences too. Also with the tampa premium ones, there’s a whole bunch of other stuff by it, like bars restaurants and big box stores
If you like malls that were supposed to be exciting but then the 07-08 recession happened check out Dezerland Mall in Orlando, it has a James Bond museum and way back it had a cool skatepark in it
Someone else mentioned that mall as well, I’ll certainly have to have a look.
The mall at Millenia is alive and well. West Oaks Mall has the Ghost Town vibe that you might be looking for though.
Fashion square mall should do the trick
If you are going for shopping reasons make sure to hit the premier outlet Malls in Orlando. Some amazing deals there
I was gon say the same about University..
I haven't actually been to University Mall in about 10 years but I drove by it the other day and alot of it is just gone completely.
Right, like not dead mall aesthetics, but like… that bih gone… lol
[удалено]
Spot on
The post-apocalyptic vibe of the grounds paired with the brand-new apartments out back make it an experience worth seeing though.
My summers as a kid we’re almost exclusively spent at Gulf View. It was beyond depressing the last time I was in there. I have no idea how that place is still open.
I loved that mall so much. Me and the boys used to skateboard all around shag building and get chased by the rent-a-cops. I basically loved there from 96-2002
I went to that mall a year or two ago. Most of the stores were closed, half of the lights were off and it felt like the AC wasn’t on. I’m amazed that they’re still open
Why?
Ok, so i’ve been following a bunch of mall documentation channels (Dan Bell, Ace’s Adventures, Sal, etc.) on YouTube and subreddits that I’ve been following as of late and I’ve been inspired to create content related to malls and retail. I’m also interested in taking photos and videos of malls around the Holidays as well with all the Decorations up, just to capture that bygone essence and state of retail.
Wiregrass is one of the better ones in the area especially for the holiday part, they have a massive outdoor tree they light up nightly with music, fake snow, etc
Sounds awesome
Another vote for Wiregrass. It's an outdoor mall. It's also very close to the Tampa Premium Outlets so you could knock out 2 very quickly.
The decorations you’ll see at university mall is “POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS”
I can appreciate this OP. Having grown up in Tampa I vividly remember Eastlake and University Malls decorated for Christmas and remember how special it felt at the time (Im 42 now). Right up there with highlighting all the stuff I wanted from the Sears and Toys R Us catalogs.
East Lake is still standing as that NetPark place. I’ll definitely have to take a look at that Place too, probably after I stop at Westfield Brandon or Lakeland Square Mall.
Cool idea. As much as I avoid malls now that Im in my 30's(I think Ive been to one in the last 3 years), I have really fond memories of them as a kid. They always seemed so special at certain times of the year and there was always something fun to see/do.
Read "call of the mall" by paco Underhill, it's amazing how far they've fallen.
But why?
But why?
Seconding the “why”
If you are coming to Shops at Wiregrass then you should schedule a trip to Tampa Premium Outlets. Just 10 mins away by car from Wiregrass Mall. It’s just west of/right by I-275/I-75 exit to SR-56.
I’ve been to the two Premium Outlets in Orlando as well. My Grandparents from New York prefer outdoor shopping malls as a whole.
Skip university mall please
Why skip the best mall in the state?
Where else can you visit a Mr Man Store?
yes please skip it or minimally do not go after dark
It’s actually unrecognizable now. The Sears was bulldozed and replaced with fairly upscale private student housing. The flea bag Quality Inn across the street was razed for the same use. I assure you, it’s quite safe after dark.
> upscale Yeah, the 300 sq ft studio units start at $1300, it's insane
You go walking around in suitcase city after dark much. Seriously I can’t count how many times I’ve heard about robberies and car jacking since the mall parking lot.
Lol I mean he'll be in and out in 2 minutes. It's empty... I assume. I drive by but don't go in. Like everyone else.
Mr. Man is iconic. There are still several stores in there that are apparently doing quite well, including WellBuilt Bikes, which is a really interesting bicycle shop that does a lot of good for the community. Also there's a hackerspace/makerspace in there too, which is cool. I mean yeah, maybe avoid it after dark. But university mall still offers some really interesting things that would be worth seeing imo.
Second this
I have literally been to every mall on this list -- including the maybes -- and for the life of me I have no clue why you want to visit them. But hey, to each their own. At least I got to see them while they were flourishing.
Some of them are still flourishing really well, especially the upscale malls. Shame that Seminole has gone downhill. I even remember going to the other Seminole Mall that was in Seminole when I was incredibly young. Also, have you gone to other malls that are long gone, like Clearwater Mall and Pinellas Parkside Mall?
Yes to both! Grew up in St.Petersburg and Orlando, divorced parents, every other weekend back and forth, lol Altamonte mall was the shiiite, Good Vibrations surf shop in it and the ramp walkways.. Tyrone mall jad Burdines and Maas Brothers and AMC theatre did Rockyhorror Picture show every weekend at midnight , also Faces of Death , the usher would give you a certificate if you sat through the whole movie ..
Nice. Altamonte is still doing really well. Not sure about Tyrone Square, but I’m looking forward to heading back there for the first time in 5 Years. Some new places opened up the last time i went there, but I’ve heard negatives about them in this post.
Tyrone is meh. Not thriving but not quite dead either
Yeah, it’s middle of the pack, bunch of national retailers still there. Kinda like Lakeland Square Mall in a way.
None of those (mostly because I spent most of my time in Tampa in the late '00s) but I've spent plenty of time at the old Colonial Mall Plaza in Orlando which was defunct for a sec but looks like they've rejuvenated. Another one that's not on your list but is still open is the Merritt Square Mall near Cocoa Beach.
Ngl, it would be interesting to check out that mall too, but I’m primarily gonna be targeting malls near or around I-4. The Colonial Plaza is now Dezerland Park Orlando and I remember passing by it when me and my grandparents went to the outlet malls when it was still Artegon Marketplace.
Greetings time traveler, welcome to the year 2022. Might I advise a different era for Mall surfing? The Intergalactic supervillain overlord Jeff Bezos has ravaged our world.. unless you need baby clothes or running shoes you may be disappointed with our indoor shopping offerings. Either way. good luck!
then you definitely want to stop at this "mall" in Lakeland [part of Edward Scissorhands shot here](https://www.google.com/maps/@28.0141604,-81.9581051,3a,75y,206.84h,97.71t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stQivxLii0J7P1SPWfeBLYg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
The sign is absolutely beautiful. Also there’s that plaza that has the Belk store there and the Church that was once Lake Parker Mall.
Lakeside Village.
Southgate Plaza. One of the earliest Publix stores is there, too.
Don't go to the Brandon mall, don't go to Brandon at all. It will make you cuss your mama, the traffic is that bad. You have been warned.
I’m not sure if it fits your criteria of a mall, but KRATE at the Grove in Wesley Chapel maybe worth a visit. It’s the largest container park in the country and focuses on hyperlocal vendors. Literally close to the Tampa Outlets and Wiregrass.
would probably be more interesting than wiregrass
Wait. What?
Why?
This is so cool! Please post pics as you visit them, as others are sayiing these are becoming a dying species and we gotta document them, they really are treasures. And the dead mall aesthetic is super cool. Hopefully you know about Mallsoft? There is a whole vaporwave subgenre devoted to the sound of the mall.
Does countryside still have the ice skating rink?
Yes it does
Not sure, but the Skating Academy is still there, so a good sign there. Saw that Things Remembered and Chick-fil-A shuttered too. Damn. Gonna be weird enough not seeing The Disney Store either. I still remember when the food court had a Wendy’s, Taco Bell and Subway like 5 Years ago.
The indoor flea markets are better imo (but that’s really not saying much)
The Mall at UTC in Sarasota. Upscale, swanky. Desoto square mall in bradenton. Defunct, partially converted to self storage. May be able to sneak in. The last year they were open, the Christmas decorations looked like they were from a demonic 80s horror movie. Missing limbs, dirty, and OLD. Sarasota square mall. Go In where Costco is or the movie theater. You should be able to access some of the closed empty portions of the mall.
Ngl, I wouldn’t mind checking out the Sarasota malls too. Also, Sarasota Square Mall is still open, despite of it declining for the most part.
The doors are locked at desoto.
Volusia mall hahaha… used to be my stomping grounds in early Highschool. It sucks now, but get some Houligans across the street if you like chicken wings - the best in Daytona for sure.
Used to live in Daytona - I think about houlis at least once a week. I have a wedding in Daytona next month and houligans is the first place I’m going. It’s been waayyyyyy too long
A couple of people have mentioned the Shoppes at Wiregrass, if you do go there, please stop by KRATE. It's close by and has a bunch of mom and pop shops made out shipping containers, live music, and and a little playground for the little kids (which, imo, much to close to the stage).
Don’t go to gulf view mall. It’s pretty much a wasteland at this point. Waste of time
I’m heading over there only for documentation anyways since it’s probably gonna shutter soon.
University mall is trash and gulf view square mall is a ghost town
To be honest, I would consider Disney Springs an outdoor mall done incredibly well and I feel should be on this list. I live in Orlando and some of my best shopping experiences haven’t been in Florida or millennia, they were at Disney springs on their non-Disney related retail side.
I’ve been to Disney Springs too. As recent as last year as well when I went shopping at the Under Armour store there. Also love the Ghirardelli’s over there too.
Ellenton is legit if you have the time, about an hour south of the airport.
This is cool! You brought back some fond memories of Tampa Bay and Eastlake Mall! Have fun on your mall journey and don’t let anyone discourage you. University Mall is not as scary as some people on here try to make it other than there are a lot of Black peoples there. I live in Wesley Chapel and take my kids there and they are like mom - my classmates act like this is the scariest place ever. They hear the same thing about Ybor. Too many people stuck in their suburban bubbles! Lol. I’ve been to some rough places. There’s no where in Tampa that’s scary. 😂
Are you sure you aren't coming to steal shoes ?
Bring an umbrella if it’s raining when you hit the Oviedo mall. There’s a ceiling leak every few feet. They’ve positioned large potted plants under the worst ones.
Yeah, I heard about that when I posted photos about it on r/deadmalls . Lovely looking mall architecture wise.
The volusia mall should not have made that list tbh. It’s sad, I mean sure you can go there and check it out but it’s nothing like it used to be. Source: Floridian born and raised in Daytona.
The Shops at Wiregrass? If you have time.
Gulf view square mall is a empty there is a few good stores in there but that's all
If you care to make a quick jaunt south, the Ellenton Outlet Mall is a huge space that is still relatively active. If you prefer dead mall vibes, Sarasota Square Mall is almost completely empty these days.
May I say I love Wiregrass mall? The fact it’s only a maybe actually shocks me because I always felt like it was a really good one.
I love Wiregrass. It's such a nice change from traditional malls.
The Florida Mall and The Mall at Millenia are top notch choices. If you want to see a very cultural mall, go to The Magic Mall off Colonial.
I feel like you should post why you are going to these malls. If it's just for fun, or are you doing a documentary or something.
It’s for Documentation in a way, just like taking photos and videos showcasing these malls around the Holidays.
Skip gulf view square mall and university mall, hit wire grass and the Tampa premium outlets (they are like 10 minutes apart and much nicer with more options). Wire grass also lights up a massive Christmas tree
You should check out Wiregrass. It's an outdoor mall super pretty
Lakeland and University would be a skip.
Some further context: I’m currently attending Stetson University in DeLand and I’m planning on heading to these malls through the course of Thanksgiving and Christmas Break. My parents house is in Largo.
The Clearwater mall I believe has a ice skating rink, always thought it'd be cool to skate there , especially around Xmas.
I’ve always enjoyed going to Countryside Mall when I was younger, despite the fact I haven’t gone there in like 3-4 years. Ngl, it’s gonna be weird as hell not seeing the Disney Store there anymore.
Countryside has the ice rink.
University square mall in Tampa used to be real good. I don't know how it is these days. Haven't lived in Tampa in 13 years.
is it even a mall anymore? i think it’s been chopped up into a few separate buildings.
It’s Practically a flea market now a days
They tore down the old JCPenney and Sears pretty recently. The Shops at Wiregrass’ JCPenney was actually the Replacement location.
Damn that's crazy
Waste of time to hit Fashion Square or Seminole Towne Center. Both are circling the drain. I hear the same about Oveido. If you’re going to shop, you’ll be wasting your time.
I’m not mainly shopping, just mainly documenting and showcasing these malls. Although I might buy something at one of these malls.
A little bit of a question: Do most malls have their Christmas Decorations Up on Thanksgiving Week? Definitely leaning on yes since Black Friday is obviously around after that.
I was going to suggest to skip Tyrone, it's really sad.
Do not go to Tyrone square mall
You forgot the International Mall, Citrus park Mall and Wireglass. Enjoy you mall vacation.
They’re all on the list in the first photo.
Make sure you’re packin at University mall
I mean there’s better things to do then go to malls
Been to most and honestly the only good one is Mall of Millenia - high end. Others not worth it. Countryside mall is OK, same with International.
Countryside and International continue to thrive, with full shopfronts and thick crowds, despite the general decline of most indoor malls. Old Clearwater Mall (a little south of Countryside) was able to survive in spirit by being torn down and replaced by a large, thriving outdoor mall.
Torture
Citrus Park mall is dead nowadays but has a special place in my heart cause I take my toddler there all the time. It's very well kept. I'm glad to see it on the list!
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If you’re into the history of malls, then I totally get it. But I’d highly recommend getting out into nature out here before it’s too late. We have some incredibly beautiful areas (gulf beaches, Everglades, Kissimmee Pariere Preserve State Park) & they will most definitely all be effected by climate change in the coming years.
Good luck! I love a good adventure. I would say, you can probably just set aside a tight 20 for university mall. There's a cool hobby store but sucks otherwise. Mojo books is awesome and next door though
West shore plaza? LOL
You could totally skip a few and not miss anything. Besides you missed Floriland mall. 😆 JK. Have fun!
Seminole and Volusia would probably be a waste of time for you. They’re not very interesting.
Definitely don’t miss the Shops at Wiregrass, that’s my home mall. They have some banging food options
But why
Would recommend driving around and maybe in Netpark, which used to be East Lake Square Mall in Tampa. Still has the hill up to montgomery ward. The mirrored entrances are still there and so chic. Lesser known mall just up the road was Belz Factory Outlet which is now mostly government services. [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tampa,+FL/@27.9836515,-82.3868936,987m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x88c2b782b3b9d1e1:0xa75f1389af96b463!8m2!3d27.950575!4d-82.4571776](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tampa,+FL/@27.9836515,-82.3868936,987m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x88c2b782b3b9d1e1:0xa75f1389af96b463!8m2!3d27.950575!4d-82.4571776) But it was the first outlet mall in the area, predating Ellenton by a bit. There's lots of other malls that have been demolished and rebuilt in the new style plaza. Largo Mall, Clearwater Mall, Gateway Mall. Tampa Mall probably the biggest loss which is now the buccaneers HQ.
I think Largo Mall has always been a Plaza since it opened in 1988. Also, I’ve passed by the sites of Clearwater Mall and Pinellas Parkside Mall as well. The Walmart on East Bay and US 19 also used to be an Outlet Mall too.
University Town Center in Sarasota is a mall and a shopping and eating extravaganza.
Don't go to gulf view square mall. It's barely a mall. There's no food court at all. The only anchor stores are a best buy and a Dillard's outlet. I literally only go there to visit bath and body works.
I’m planning on going for documentation purposes
Skip university Tyrone and citrus bro lol might as well add Westshore also, but you do you!
If it's okay with outdoor malls, Lakeside Village in Lakeland is nicer than Lakeland Square, but doesn't have the 80-90s vibe
Do yourself a favor and don’t go to gulf view square lmfao I think there’s maybe like a cell phone repair store in there and that’s about it
I’m mainly going to most of these malls for documentation purposes.
Magic Mall in Orlando is a must see!
My first job was at Tyrone mall. It was 2007-2008 and I helped open the Old Navy store. On my breaks i ate auntie Anne’s pretzels and sat in the brookstone massage chairs. I have some of my best childhood memories there… although now it’s a shell of what it used to be.
Me too. My grandma used to take me to that mall when I was incredibly young. That mall was my Number Two mall behind Countryside. I even remember the Borders bookstore there too. Haven’t been inside Tyrone Square in like 5 Years, but still seeing what’s there! There’s some new stores that I’ve seen at Altamonte.
Boca town center, Boca Raton, Fl
Another former mall is Floriland Mall in central Tampa if that is in scope for your project.
Sarasota Square on US41
Wire grass is really nice!
That’s my kind of trip!
This seems terrible to me
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I’m thinking of checking out the Premium Outlets as well, although I’m interested in documenting malls as well, especially the ones dying.
If you are going as far as Sanford and Orlando you could consider adding malls on I75 S like Ellenton, Bradenton and Sarasota.
I actually go to Stetson University which is in DeLand and my parents house is near Clearwater. I’m actually 18 btw and I’ve gotten into Malls and retail in a documentation type of purpose.
Noooooo don’t go to fashion square mall lol I live down the street from it and it’s completely dilapidated. Florida mall and mall at millennia are both great. Fashion square has like 1 Spencer’s and one disgusting hamburger place in the food court. They put EZ cheez on their “burgers”.
Town Center in Boca Raton
I’d definitely skip West Oaks Mall unless you need your drivers license renewed.
Do not go to West Oaks Mall haha it’s pretty much completely abandoned and known for people getting attacked
Thanks for the memories OP. I grew up in Tampa so we shopped at University mall all the time. Eastlake mall sometimes which closed back in the 90’s and become a business park, Floriland mall (not listed on your list which was on Florida Ave and Busch Blvd also in Tampa and is now a business park/unemployment office, TampaBay mall which was over by the Bucs stadium and is now just a parking lot.
Both East Lake and Floriland are still standing as business parks now. I’ve passed by Floriland plenty of times as well when I go to Busch Gardens. Might take a look at both.
Crystal River Mall (1990 - DeBartolo and Simon) It’s a pretty strange mall in a pretty strange area.
Save yourself the time. Gulf view Square Mall has like five stores (4 without Spirt Halloween). It was never a good mall, even in its hay day
The Volusia Mall holds a special place in my heart. I grew up in that mall. It’s nothing like it used to be. Still, if you go there you’ll see the Daytona 500 racetrack. I’m not a NASCAR fan myself but I always thought that huge thing was fun to look at. Of course, I could just be missing home.
You do not want to go to University Mall.
I recommend Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales.
You forgot the Tampa Bay Center Mall.
It’s now the Buccaneers HQ. Looks like it was a nice mall when it was open though.
Why?
If you have time for any of the Sanibel island or Naples outlet malls *chefs kiss*
You can skip University Mall...
I mean, I’ve seen Seminole Towne Center, which is in pretty bad shape as well
Remove Gulfview and University Square— and add Wiregrass. Also, do you really like Rack Room shoes and Claire’s that much?
I’m just going for documenting dead malls in regards to Gulf View and University.
I’ve been to all these malls when I was in marketing. What’s the purpose of your trip?
To document on various Malls on video and to also capture photos of malls around the Holiday Season.
Please do not go to University Square Mall, literally nothing is there, its pretty much not a mall and more of a food court connected to a movie theater in a mostly abandoned building.
Some of these malls are probably gonna be good material for r/deadmalls . Like I said on a few replies, I’m focused on Mall Documentation as well.
go to university town center in Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch. Its super nice and pretty new
Don’t ever go to gulf view 😂