The residents of the Sawmill Camping Resort have offered to purchase the 120-acre community, which will essentially turn the popular LGBT destination into a not-for-profit co-op.
According to George Cressman, President of the Sawmill Resort Homeowners Association, current Sawmill owner Phil Godown has agreed to the purchase and once it’s complete, changes will begin happening immediately, mostly related to check-in times for visitors
“That will give our workers more resources to do their jobs efficiently,” Cressman said. “The other changes will be in the ownership pride that will result in sprucing up the park.”
Because the newly reformed Sawmill board will be a not-for-profit, all proceeds will go back into campground improvements, Cressman added.
The purchase makes Sawmill the largest gay resident and member owned community and business in the United States, according to Cressman. More than 45,000 members are already involved with the organization. The Homeowners Association represents all the resident and members interests and is the organization behind the banking, legal and administration of the gay community purchase of Sawmill.
No staff changes are expected to happen once the sale is finalized, but a board of seven to nine people will determine how money is spent at the resort destination, located in Pasco County.
An exclusive number of only 100 shares will be issued to those wishing to participate in the new Co-op and current residents and members can participate by purchasing at an introductory price of $23,000 per share. That price will increase to $28,000 on Nov. 11.
Those purchasing sales receive a 99-year lease to the properties that house permanent homes and RVs. Share purchases also means residents and members will no longer pay monthly rents.
“The resident and member purchase of Sawmill Resort will include the liquor license and all the business assets” Cressman said. “This will ensure Sawmill Resort improves in the delivery of making Sawmill the best gay entertainment venue and a place to just have fun in the state.”
Changes will not only be physical in nature at the 120-lot campground. Residents will have to adjust their mindset as well.
“The members are excited and anxious for this new adventure,” Cressman said. “It takes getting used to the idea of a gay co-op community.”
