[justjim]

Originally Posted by under55

I have done my "due diligence" to attempt to determine if "fines" are actually being handed out by "law enforcement personnel" or if the story is an "urban legend" and needs to be exposed as such.

Since Monday, I have contacted:

1. The Villages Golf Course Administration
2. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office
3. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Sumter County office
4. Starter booth at Palmetto

I spoke with Todd at the Villages Golf Course Administration and told him about the story (below) that has been circulating recently in our neighborhood. Todd told me he had talked recently with several people at Evans Prairie who should know if something like that had happened/was happening, but knew nothing or had anything reported to them about any fines or law enforcement offices being on premises much less, "handing out tickets".

I spoke with the Sumter County Sheriff's office and told them the story asking them if they were familiar with the story. The deputy that I spoke with knew nothing about writing tickets at Evans Prairie regarding "hazard tickets"; in fact, suggested that their office probably would not do that type of work - rather, I Fshould contact the Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Florida fish and Wildlife Commission, Sumter County - I spoke with several folks and left a message with Kevin Stankey (who never returned by calls) but none of those that I spoke with knew nothing about the story, much less sending their people on Evans Prairie property.

I spoke with a couple of, "Starters" (at Palmetto) yesterday and asked them if they knew anything about anyone being given a $250 ticket, etc., etc. as suggested in the original email. One of the Starters said that they had a meeting recently and no one knew about the "legend".

I can say that I had forwarded the story (on Monday), and have done my due diligence to determine if this type of thing is happening/has happened, but I can find no one "in authority" that knows anything about the story or an incident.

My opinion: Until I receive additional details and can confirm with a person in authority, I believe the story to be "a legend" and I would suggest not passing along to others.

Thanks for your report.