District to Pay for Unauthorized Tree Cutting

[dbussone]

If interested, here is their website. They have very broad powers related to water and land uses: Southwest Florida Water Management District (http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us)

[CFrance]

We are used to this from living on Lake Michigan. If you want to move a dune two inches, it will probably take you a year to get a permit. Very hard to mess with protected land. If you do and get caught, you must restore at your own cost.

And DB, nice of you to explain. Five minutes' worth of reading and newguy could have answered his own questions.

[twopjt]

the risk we run

[dbussone]

the risk we run


That's pretty funny. Thanks.

[ricthemic]

So what are they doing?

Someone posted an answer to my above question regarding what is Sumter and Fl State doing about this. Suggesting that I call them....

I did. They already did their job and thank you for them.

* Many months ago many trees on Village property bordering a non village owned lake were illegally cut down and trucked away.

* Sumter and FL state fined The Villages $50,000.00

* The Villages paid the fine

To answer your question. The county and state did their job and received their fine and new trees being replanted so they are done.
So, IMO... TV chose to pay this fine and charge the residents of this VCCD and apparently case closed for TV

[Polar Bear]

...The county and state did their job and received their fine and new trees being replanted so they are done.
So, IMO... TV chose to pay this fine and charge the residents of this VCCD and apparently case closed for TV
That's a fair assessment of the situation imho.

The only clarification I would offer is that TV didn't choose to pay the fine. There was no choice. SWFWMD would not delay for a long period of investigation. TV (VCCD) is the permittee and they are responsible for permit violations.

If the VCCD wishes to pursue the matter further, it is a separate matter as far as SWFWMD is concerned.

[Cedwards38]

WHAT do you think really happened then? WHAT exactly? Who is it that you mistrust the most? Then second? Then third? and who do you think is lying and who do you think is not doing what you think should be done which is? And who is to blame? And who profited from this?

I don't know what really happened other than those of us who are residents of The Villages got fined for something we did not do.

I don't know exactly, but really want to know. All I've ever asked is that our local officials inform us of the status of the investigation more than the fact that what they have is inconclusive.

First I mistrust the person or persons who had the idea to secretly and apparently clandestinely cut down some protected trees for whatever reason they may have. Second I mistrust whoever did the actual physical deed of cutting the trees. I would not use the word "mistrust" for others, but I deeply wonder why our local sheriff, local newspaper, district manager, and supervisors are not informing us of the status and details of this investigation, for which the residents of this community paid a substantial fine.

I have accused no one of lying, though I think the person or persons who cut the trees and/or hired the cutting of the trees is lying. I have not pointed a finger of blame. I believe the person or persons who cut the trees or hired someone to cut down the trees profited in some fashion. I do not know that others "profited" in any way, nor have I accused them of such, but I am infinitely curious why this investigation seems so difficult to conclude.

Now, I love our community too. I choose to live here because I love it. This crime will never sit well with me until we know who did it and force them to receive the punishment rather than the citizens of TV. Yes, my share of the fine would be minimal, as would yours, but it's the principle that sticks in my craw, and I hope it does in everyone's.

[Polar Bear]

I don't know what really happened other than those of us who are residents of The Villages got fined for something we did not do.

I don't know exactly, but really want to know. All I've ever asked is that our local officials inform us of the status of the investigation more than the fact that what they have is inconclusive.

First I mistrust the person or persons who had the idea to secretly and apparently clandestinely cut down some protected trees for whatever reason they may have. Second I mistrust whoever did the actual physical deed of cutting the trees. I would not use the word "mistrust" for others, but I deeply wonder why our local sheriff, local newspaper, district manager, and supervisors are not informing us of the status and details of this investigation, for which the residents of this community paid a substantial fine.

I have accused no one of lying, though I think the person or persons who cut the trees and/or hired the cutting of the trees is lying. I have not pointed a finger of blame. I believe the person or persons who cut the trees or hired someone to cut down the trees profited in some fashion. I do not know that others "profited" in any way, nor have I accused them of such, but I am infinitely curious why this investigation seems so difficult to conclude.

Now, I love our community too. I choose to live here because I love it. This crime will never sit well with me until we know who did it and force them to receive the punishment rather than the citizens of TV. Yes, my share of the fine would be minimal, as would yours, but it's the principle that sticks in my craw, and I hope it does in everyone's.

I generally agree with your thoughts...except for the last one. I will not let it stick in my craw.

[Bogie Shooter]

Someone posted an answer to my above question regarding what is Sumter and Fl State doing about this. Suggesting that I call them....

I did. They already did their job and thank you for them.

* Many months ago many trees on Village property bordering a non village owned lake were illegally cut down and trucked away.

* Sumter and FL state fined The Villages $50,000.00

* The Villages paid the fine

To answer your question. The county and state did their job and received their fine and new trees being replanted so they are done.
So, IMO... TV chose to pay this fine and charge the residents of this VCCD and apparently case closed for TV

Who did you call?
How could Sumter (county?) fine anybody?
If the county did their job; what was their job?
The county did not receive any fine $, did they?
Is this all opinion?

[crashdummy]

I would like to know where The Village Watch was while this was happening. I see them driving around, but I never see them actually doing anything.

[graciegirl]

. The Villages Watch do not need to be maligned.

[Challenger]

I would like to know where The Village Watch was while this was happening. I see them driving around, but I never see them actually doing anything.

Unfare attack!! Why?

[perrjojo]

I would like to know where The Village Watch was while this was happening. I see them driving around, but I never see them actually doing anything.

They are doing just what they are supposed to do "watching".

[Polar Bear]

Unfare attack!! Why?

You really think the Watch should have just been there when the deed was done?!?

Tough crowd.

[Frankw]

Tree cutting
Those homeowners who border the area affected must know something but are remaining silent. I would suspect that if not directly involved in the act that they know something but aren't talking.
I would suggest the following: Since the property in close proximity to the cleared area benefits in terms of the enhanced view, it would seem only reasonable that those properties have recognized an increase in value. Therefore it is only reasonable that the real estate should be re-assessed to account for this increase in value. It's only fair since the view affects the value of the property.

[biker1]

So you are suggesting that those properties be reassessed on a different time schedule than other properties?

Tree cutting
Those homeowners who border the area affected must know something but are remaining silent. I would suspect that if not directly involved in the act that they know something but aren't talking.
I would suggest the following: Since the property in close proximity to the cleared area benefits in terms of the enhanced view, it would seem only reasonable that those properties have recognized an increase in value. Therefore it is only reasonable that the real estate should be re-assessed to account for this increase in value. It's only fair since the view affects the value of the property.

[Warren Kiefer]

I don't know what really happened other than those of us who are residents of The Villages got fined for something we did not do.

I don't know exactly, but really want to know. All I've ever asked is that our local officials inform us of the status of the investigation more than the fact that what they have is inconclusive.

First I mistrust the person or persons who had the idea to secretly and apparently clandestinely cut down some protected trees for whatever reason they may have. Second I mistrust whoever did the actual physical deed of cutting the trees. I would not use the word "mistrust" for others, but I deeply wonder why our local sheriff, local newspaper, district manager, and supervisors are not informing us of the status and details of this investigation, for which the residents of this community paid a substantial fine.

I have accused no one of lying, though I think the person or persons who cut the trees and/or hired the cutting of the trees is lying. I have not pointed a finger of blame. I believe the person or persons who cut the trees or hired someone to cut down the trees profited in some fashion. I do not know that others "profited" in any way, nor have I accused them of such, but I am infinitely curious why this investigation seems so difficult to conclude.

Now, I love our community too. I choose to live here because I love it. This crime will never sit well with me until we know who did it and force them to receive the punishment rather than the citizens of TV. Yes, my share of the fine would be minimal, as would yours, but it's the principle that sticks in my craw, and I hope it does in everyone's.

YOU ARE EXACTLY CORRECT. I try to not post many comments on TOV. The attackers are always waiting to pounce.

[Warren Kiefer]

. The Villages Watch do not need to be maligned.

I wouldn't say the Villages Watch was being maligned. My opinion is the post simply stated the truth. For 19 years I have watched the VW make their daily run thru my neighborhood never stopping in that 19 years. If someone would ask why something isn't being done about a infraction, the answer would be they are complaint driven and only act on complaints.

[NYGUY]

I wouldn't say the Villages Watch was being maligned. My opinion is the post simply stated the truth. For 19 years I have watched the VW make their daily run thru my neighborhood never stopping in that 19 years. If someone would ask why something isn't being done about a infraction, the answer would be they are complaint driven and only act on complaints.

I once got a call from Community Watch at 3:00AM to let me know I had left my garage door open.

[Barefoot]

I wouldn't say the Villages Watch was being maligned. My opinion is the post simply stated the truth. For 19 years I have watched the VW make their daily run thru my neighborhood never stopping in that 19 years. If someone would ask why something isn't being done about a infraction, the answer would be they are complaint driven and only act on complaints.

I don't think the mission of Villages Watch is to handle infractions of deed restrictions.
I get the impression they drive around looking for odd occurrences, anything out of the ordinary.
Someone mentioned being notified that their garage door was up.
If Village Watch saw someone suspicious lurking in a neighborhood, I bet they would notify the Police.
Village Watch trucks patrolling through neighborhoods gives the welcome impression that The Villages has ongoing security looking out for the welfare of residents.

[Challenger]

You really think the Watch should have just been there when the deed was done?!?

Tough crowd.

Actually my post was asking why CW was being unfarely attacked. Apparently I wasn't. clear. CW is a good thing and I support their efforts.

[Cedwards38]

Over seven months now since the illegal cutting and no closer to identifying the bums who did this than we were on the first day it was discovered, and no explanation from officials as to why that is so. Just sayin................

[virgind]

I think we should look back at the real estate agent that was handling the sale of the house that benefited from the view with the trees gone.

[Bogie Shooter]

Tree cutting
Those homeowners who border the area affected must know something but are remaining silent. I would suspect that if not directly involved in the act that they know something but aren't talking.
I would suggest the following: Since the property in close proximity to the cleared area benefits in terms of the enhanced view, it would seem only reasonable that those properties have recognized an increase in value. Therefore it is only reasonable that the real estate should be re-assessed to account for this increase in value. It's only fair since the view affects the value of the property.

Is there an echo in here? Sometimes it pays to read other posts............

[Mleeja]

Is there an echo in here? Sometimes it pays to read other posts............

Bogie, If your advice had been followed, this thread would have concluded 45 pages ago.....

In support.....This horse is dead. Get off!!! The merry-go-round has stopped. Get off!!! Catch my drift folks?

[Challenger]

I think we should look back at the real estate agent that was handling the sale of the house that benefited from the view with the trees gone.

Interesting Idea!!!

[Barefoot]

Bogie, If your advice had been followed, this thread would have concluded 45 pages ago.....
In support.....This horse is dead. Get off!!! The merry-go-round has stopped. Get off!!! Catch my drift folks?

People who can't be bothered reading all the posts are emerging and making the same suggestions that were made 300 posts ago! This Merry Go Round is still spinning. :evil6:

[manaboutown]

It seems many folks are not ready for this to be retired to the cold case file.

So one of the houses from which the view of the water was obstructed by the trees which were cut down was listed for sale? Who was the listing agent? Was it a Realtor or a Villages agent?

[Bogie Shooter]

Another direction for crazy speculation, will it never end?

[Challenger]

Another direction for crazy speculation, will it never end?

My suspicion is that as long as this issue comtinues to be the subject of public controversy, the criminal will be uneasy --- and that is a good thing.

I agree that there is too much silly speculation.

Still don't understand why the affected CDDs have not raised the ante and increased the reward.

[Cedwards38]

Bogie, If your advice had been followed, this thread would have concluded 45 pages ago.....

In support.....This horse is dead. Get off!!! The merry-go-round has stopped. Get off!!! Catch my drift folks?

I catch your drift. I just don't happen to agree with it. That's your right. It's also mine to feel differently. This horse is not dead. It's still just hiding in the shadows. This merry-go-round has not stopped. It's just spinning slowly and waiting for someone to give it a push.

[CWGUY]

I catch your drift. I just don't happen to agree with it. That's your right. It's also mine to feel differently. This horse is not dead. It's still just hiding in the shadows. This merry-go-round has not stopped. It's just spinning slowly and waiting for someone to give it a push.

Here's MHO You're picking a scab. Stop. Let it heal. All of you.

There are a lot of more important things to worry about. I just do not
understand anyone expending the time or energy on a post like I see with
this post. Again IMHO.

[Barefoot]

Another direction for crazy speculation, will it never end? As long as the Mods leave this as a viable thread, the crazy speculation will continue! :icon_twisted:

[CFrance]

Bogie, If your advice had been followed, this thread would have concluded 45 pages ago.....

In support.....This horse is dead. Get off!!! The merry-go-round has stopped. Get off!!! Catch my drift folks?
Many choose to stay on their horses. And that is okay. This is a forum. It's not anyone's right to tell anyone else what to do.

[gomoho]

Here's MHO You're picking a scab. Stop. Let it heal. All of you.

There are a lot of more important things to worry about. I just do not
understand anyone expending the time or energy on a post like I see with
this post. Again IMHO.

Your MHO is exactly that - thanks for sharing, but don't impose it on others. Folks are concerned about an action that is taking money out of their pockets and it's not for you, me or anyone else to determine the importance of this issue. Just MHO

[Challenger]

If you don't like this Horse-- get off

If your scab is sore , don't continue to pick(open it)

I don't believe that anyone is forced to read this thread.

[manaboutown]

It is more like a festering sore that needs to be properly treated.

[Chi-Town]

No breaking news. No "this just in". Nothing. I sense a lot of frustration, some testiness. Wouldn't be surprised if the moderators pull the plug

[billethkid]

Pull the plug, why?
The more the merrier and not all read the news at the same time.

[outlaw]

54 pages and counting. Obviously someone is interested in this issue. Just sayin'.

[graciegirl]

We all think we "know" what happened. Just no proof of exactly which who was involved.


AND apparently no way to find out more. I'd say cash was used. And we may never find out and it may never be resolved. That doesn't mean the LEO's aren't doing their job or there is a conspiracy by neighbors or the developers to cover it up.


It stinks. Hoping for what goes around, comes around. I doubt if "they" are popular at the local pot lucks.

[TheVillageChicken]

Optimism, folks...get you some. Could it be that the trees eventually fulfilled a useful and meaningful purpose. Perhaps they were turned into paper and ultimately ended up as vegan recipe books or pieces of cardboard that homeless people can scrawl their plaintive messages upon. What if they were turned into winning lottery tickets? Maybe a chainsaw artist transformed them into statues of porpoises or mermaids. Hopefully somewhere, a small boy now has a fort to play in or a Tarpon Springs sponge diver has a spiffy new wooden hull. My hope is that they were turned into golf tees. Later...time for my meds...well I call it meds anyway.

[Polar Bear]

We all think we "know" what happened...

Not Everybody! I don't have a clue. :)

[jnieman]

With all of this talk about who cut down the trees you'd think that it would have stopped. The other night about dusk, a landscaper with a huge trailer passed us on morse going really fast. He had a huge oak tree in the back of his truck. I thought I wonder if it was a diseased tree. I looked at the trunk which was at least 4 ft around and it looked solid. The trailer was full of all of the greenery and it was perfectly green, no brown at all. He was definitely in a hurry to get somewhere fast. My thought was he cut down someone's oak tree and knew it was not allowed. That's a huge risk for him to take.

[billethkid]

With all of this talk about who cut down the trees you'd think that it would have stopped. The other night about dusk, a landscaper with a huge trailer passed us on morse going really fast. He had a huge oak tree in the back of his truck. I thought I wonder if it was a diseased tree. I looked at the trunk which was at least 4 ft around and it looked solid. The trailer was full of all of the greenery and it was perfectly green, no brown at all. He was definitely in a hurry to get somewhere fast. My thought was he cut down someone's oak tree and knew it was not allowed. That's a huge risk for him to take.

Maybe the tree was an eye witness and being hustled to testify in the great oak caper!

[Barefoot]

We all think we "know" what happened. Not Everybody! I don't have a clue.
If you read through the last 545 posts, it's hard to separate the "knowers" from the "speculators". :shrug:

[joldnol]

some here with lame attempts at humor miss the gravity of the situation. If it had been 50k damage to your home and no one was talking I'm sure you'd have a different opinion. well this act of environmental terrorism was against ALL of us. Not a laughing manner even if in the grand scheme of things it's only a dollar or two for each of us.

[outlaw]

some here with lame attempts at humor miss the gravity of the situation. If it had been 50k damage to your home and no one was talking I'm sure you'd have a different opinion. well this act of environmental terrorism was against ALL of us. Not a laughing manner even if in the grand scheme of things it's only a dollar or two for each of us.

The environmental terrorism is the government fining innocent parties for something that someone else did. The environmental gestapo should have just required TV to replant some trees. But that's the government "serving" the citizens.

[graciegirl]

some here with lame attempts at humor miss the gravity of the situation. If it had been 50k damage to your home and no one was talking I'm sure you'd have a different opinion. well this act of environmental terrorism was against ALL of us. Not a laughing manner even if in the grand scheme of things it's only a dollar or two for each of us.


I didn't think it was funny when some suggested that all people who live in Premier neighborhoods were something less than ethical.


All neighborhoods have their hoods and their good people.

[joldnol]

I didn't think it was funny when some suggested that all people who live in Premier neighborhoods were something less than ethical.


All neighborhoods have their hoods and their good people.

I never suggest all people

[TheVillageChicken]

some here with lame attempts at humor miss the gravity of the situation. If it had been 50k damage to your home and no one was talking I'm sure you'd have a different opinion. well this act of environmental terrorism was against ALL of us. Not a laughing manner even if in the grand scheme of things it's only a dollar or two for each of us.

Not sure if I "missed" the gravity of the situation, but as it pertains to me, I certainly deny it. You are probably right. I would be pretty annoyed if it were my view that was spoiled, but it wasn't. As for my feelings about having to pay my unfair share to atone for someone else's fiasco, they are miniscule compared to the way I feel every April 15th. I allocate a couple of hundred a month to my "getting screwed fund". Cheaper than therapy and healthier than booze.

[Chi-Town]

some here with lame attempts at humor miss the gravity of the situation. If it had been 50k damage to your home and no one was talking I'm sure you'd have a different opinion. well this act of environmental terrorism was against ALL of us. Not a laughing manner even if in the grand scheme of things it's only a dollar or two for each of us.
Environmental terrorism. I'm sorry, but I chuckled at that.

[Wavy Chips]

All of the comments, theories, and posturing aside, does anyone know if their is an ongoing active investigation by law inforcement? Are we any closer to finding out who is responsible?

[graciegirl]

All of the comments, theories, and posturing aside, does anyone know if their is an ongoing active investigation by law inforcement? Are we any closer to finding out who is responsible?



Who would we ask? I would assume that all of the stones have been turned. I know this because I watch CSI.