For intercity rail to compete successfully with cars and airlines in a place like Florida, it needs to be faster than a car trip, cheaper than a plain ticket, and easier than both. I have no idea if the Brightline will successfully pull that off, but it seems their real money is going to come from elsewhere. In addition to getting more use out of FEC's already-existing tracks, the whole project opens up their ability to get into the real estate development game. That could be something of a double-edged sword for a lot of places, but it could be a very exciting opportunity for LaVilla.
Especially considering, as Lakelander points out, JTA is apparently still moving forward with the transit center at the Prime Osborn. The article mentions they're putting all the other pieces together besides the train station - the city bus hub, the Skyway, Greyhound and the JTA offices - and, beyond that, they're apparently finally coordinating with the Downtown Investment Authority. While train service is still a missing piece there, it's obviously a long term consideration or the rest of the plan wouldn't revolve around the old terminal.
The city (and the independent authorities) still have a lot of land in Lavilla, and so much of it is mostly or totally unused. That could make for a very attractive prospect for FEC...
