[redwitch]

After the threads about the sports pool indicent, the car hood ornament stolen and general ones about the gates, I'm wondering just how much security TVers really expect from the developer.

Personally, I expect none. Community Watch is really there to ensure that deed restrictions are followed, even though they do act as a small deterrent since they are highly visible and work 24/7. Do I really want those little old men (sorry, guys) to stop some burglar and get injured in the process? Should we even expect them to do this? I do think it would be nice if they stopped when they saw someone in distress, especially after dark, and helped them or at least stayed with them until help arrived.

Rec assistants are supposed to check IDs to prevent non-authorized visitors from using facilities. They are not there to prevent someone from entering the wrong bathroom or taking the purse left on the table. They will call the sheriff when needed.

I'm really not sure what the purpose of the gate people is other than to smile, wave and give directions. I do know the gates themselves are used to slow traffic and, from what I understand, that is their main function. They can come in handy for evidence since they do take photos of vehicles entering and leaving a village. In fact, I know of one instance where a burglar was caught because his truck was filmed entering empty and leaving full.

We do have an active police force in TV -- at least in Lake and Sumter Counties (have never seen a Marion County officer of any type in my travels). Our fire department and EMT responders are downright awesome. It is the sheriff's department duty to protect villagers and, as a whole, they do an excellent job. But, like everyone else, they can't do it all and certainly can't do it without our full cooperation.

So, my question is why does anyone expect the developer to protect us? I've never read, heard nor seen anything where the developer has promised to make TV a safe place to live. Our crime rate is very low -- much lower than the national average and most certainly lower than most cities/towns with a population of 80,000 and growing. There are several factors for this -- more law-abiding citizens live here than in most communities (the advantage of being older); many retired police officers; the willingness of neighbors to watch out for neighbors. The Villages employees are not trained to stop a criminal and they most certainly are not trained to arrest one. I'm not even sure if they get basic first aid training. Our best defense is to be aware, to watch out for each other and to be alert in all surroundings.

As most of you know, I'm not a big fan of the Morse family. I appreciate what Harold Schwartz created and what Gary Morse expanded. I think the Morses' greed factor is astronomical and beyond my understanding. I truly admire the business acumen that has gone into the creation of TV and I truly love living here. I think Morse, et al. have kept their word to build a retirement community beyond the norm -- reasonably priced housing, amenities galore, activities beyond my comprehension, clean streets and town squares, beautiful landscaping. Being safe was not something I ever expected.