Quote:
Originally Posted by TNGary
Normally parades require a permit as the permit identifies the responsible organization and allows for lawful disregard of stop signs and temporary use of city streets. Local authorities are aware of the event and may want to be present.
My major concern is for the safety of those in the parade and any bystanders. Based on what I saw in the recent parade video clip, I could easily anticipate the potential for tempers to get out of control and possibly a physical confrontation.
Additionally, it appeared folks were standing in front of the golf carts. What is the driver accidentally stepped on the accelerator pedal? (and I do mean accidentally as I know it would not be done intentionally).
I fully support the concept of parades and those with different views, please do not get me wrong. I just don't want to see one of our neighbors having a life altering event.
If you agree, I suggest you contact the local authorities to show you support.
This is not intended to be a negative post, but a post of support for orderly and safe parades.
Your thoughts???
|
If memory serves, I was informed that Rt.466, Morse Blvd., Stillwater Trail and Buena Vista Blvd. were county roads. When you left those roads and headed into Lake Sumter Landing you entered onto private property that is solely owned by the Developer of The Villages. This holds true for all of the town squares in The Villages. The Courtyard Villa complexes are also private property that is owned by the district they are located in. The Districts do not own any part of the Town Squares that fall within them. I have not heard that any of that has changed. If anyone knows otherwise, please inform.
That being said, the rights to free speech would end at the point when you entered onto the private property. The same would hold true if someone came onto your property and began an action or dialog that you disagreed with. You, being the property owner, can order the other person off your property or can have them forcibly evicted. That is your right and it over rides the right of the person on your property that you object to.
The Developer, being the sole owner of the Town Squares can make a rule where such parades are not allowed on his/her property and enforce them. The Developer can make a rule that does not allow particular signs to be displayed on your golf cart while it is on his/her property. The rule may include what you can wear as a slogan on your hat. I think that the Developer is taking a hard look at this right now. I do not think he/her are very happy about both sides that were shown in the video that went viral.
Now, there is a reasonable balance that can be achieved between all groups of people with differing perceptions of political and social orientation. There is representation within The Villages for the Republican Party, but none for the Democratic Party. Why not? When the Democrats had the same type of rally a couple of years back, there was a lot of name calling, egg throwing, swearing and gestures that were made. There was no outrage expressed over that. Why not?
There is a lot of sole searching that has to be done both by the Developer on how he/she wants to handle what happens on their property. I would hate to see a decision that decreases an individual's ability of self expression, but if that's what it will take to hold the peace, so be it!