Teenagers at Town Squares after hours

[graciegirl]

We returned to The Villages the day before yesterday and chatted with our neighbor who had been a Police Officer in New York and now that they have retired he worked as a security person at TV Hospital but recently took a job with The Villages as a person who is keeping an eye on the teenagers who he says are hanging out after ten in the evening at the town squares. They are from neighboring towns and come here to get together.

I didn't ask him what problems they caused and so I am asking you. Anyone know anything about this. Is it a big problem?

[swrinfla]

Gracie:

If they cause trouble after 10pm, you really think any Villager will know about it? :jester:

I mean aren't we all in bed and asleep? :a040:

And, seriously, we do know that if there's trouble, the Daily Sun isn't going to tell us about it!

SWR
:beer3:

[Bettiboop]

GG, we noticed groups of teenagers when we were there in July. We did talk about it amongst ourselves but then decided maybe it had something to do with it being summer time and familys were visiting, or maybe it was the children of those working in TV??...etc. We didn't observe any bad behavior...just groups of teens gathering. I certainly hope that it doesn't become a problem; it is good to know they are keeping an eye on it.

I did find myself wondering what percentage of people in the squares at night are from neighboring towns...anybody have a guess?

[duffysmom]

Welcome Home GG....:MOJE_whot:

[Jeff Bieberfeld]

I have noticed more in the summer (grandchildren/guests of residents), but mostly in Spanish Springs, as it is easier for people outside of The Villages to get to. In fact there are lots of adults from outside TV in SS many evenings.
J :024:

GG, we noticed groups of teenagers when we were there in July. We did talk about it amongst ourselves but then decided maybe it had something to do with it being summer time and familys were visiting, or maybe it was the children of those working in TV??...etc. We didn't observe any bad behavior...just groups of teens gathering. I certainly hope that it doesn't become a problem; it is good to know they are keeping an eye on it.

I did find myself wondering what percentage of people in the squares at night are from neighboring towns...anybody have a guess?

[gemorc]

Spanish Springs is very accessible to outsiders. That is why it is located where it is. The store operators depend on outside business. The location of the third town square, close to Rte.44, also needs to attract the dollars yielded by non-Villagers. Along with propersity comes some pain. The kids just wanna have fun.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

I think the biggest draw is the movies. When you have several movies showing that appeal to that age group.
There is not a lot for area kids to do and TV is the closest for them to see a movie or grab a burger.
As long as they do not cause any problems and have respect for the people and property there is not much that can be done.
Several weeks ago I was going up the ramp over 441 and had to move over because of several kids walking............but if they were visiting then that is the safest way for them to cross the highway I guess.

[punkpup]

Well I suppose they are attracted by the same things we are. A good time in a safe place.

[borisj]

For my money I'd prefer to see teenagers in Town Squares rather than Dogs and Cats. Although some of them should be on leashes (teenagers) they don't poop on the street, bark at people who pass them by and they certainly don't smell and lick people's feet.

[KathieI]

For my money I'd prefer to see teenagers in Town Squares rather than Dogs and Cats. Although some of them should be on leashes (teenagers) they don't poop on the street, bark at people who pass them by and they certainly don't smell and lick people's feet.

Boris!!! Next time, wake up on the right side of the bed, you poor darling.

As a person who hangs out lately after hours on the squares, yes, there are a lot of teenagers there, but I haven't seen any incidences just a lot of noise (of course) and fun loving kids who want to dance. They are enjoying all of the outside music venues that we are having lately after the squares close. Police patrol the squares constantly and talk to the kids, but I haven't seen any reckless behavior yet (oops, I mean the kids, not the cops,,,, LOL... )

[Boomer]

I know. I know. I am not there yet and probably should not express an opinion on this, but it is a general topic that I know a little something about.

From what Kathie just said, it sounds to me like TV is handling this with just the right touch.

There is an art to dealing with teenagers who are just hanging out, and I bet there are quite a few retired police officers in TV who know exactly how to do this. When Kathie said that they are walking around and talking to the kids, I thought, that sounds right. Sheriff Taylor not Barney Fife.

I am not naive. Of course, there are times when groups of teenagers can cause problems. But it sounds to me like TV is heading off problems with the presence of those officers who know what they're doing.

And believe it or not, some people who have worked with teenagers actually like them. And kids pick up on that. So if TV hires the right kind of experience, it will work out. Especially starting the patrols before anything gets out of hand.


But wait! I guess it was Barney Fife who said, "Nip it! Nip it in the bud!"

Here's Barney........

(This shows the attitude that an experienced officer DOES NOT take with teenagers. Those guys know what to do. I bet Villagers are in good hands if TV hired those officers right.)

I hope you will watch Barney here as he shows what not to do. Attitude can be everything. And Barney gets it wrong. You are going to smile I bet...........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de_P2aUZJyA&feature=player_embedded

Boomer

And hey! Who knows? Maybe those teenagers will learn about really good music and they will like it.

[ajdeck]

For my money I'd prefer to see teenagers in Town Squares rather than Dogs and Cats. Although some of them should be on leashes (teenagers) they don't poop on the street, bark at people who pass them by and they certainly don't smell and lick people's feet.



Don't be so sure about your statement above. There are teenagers and then there are teenagers - - as well there are dogs (and dog owners) and then there are dogs (and dog owners).

What I'm saying is if they are good no problem but when the bad ones get in the trouble starts.

[sandybill2]

Thanks Boomer for the post----it did make me smile.

[KathieI]

Thanks Boomer for the post----it did make me smile.

Ms Boomer ALWAYS makes me smile. Thanks, I loved Barney Fife and I remember that episode..... Nip it in the Bud!!!!

One night around 1am, I was leaving Gator's Dockside and a bunch of kids were hanging around the cops cars chatting with the cops like they were good friends. At first, I was concerned that something was going on, but soon realized they were just chatting. It was a nice feeling to see cops handling the situation in such a peaceful manner.

I love living here.... Its like heaven!!!!

[Larryandlinda]

Ms Boomer ALWAYS makes me smile. Thanks, I loved Barney Fife and I remember that episode..... Nip it in the Bud!!!!

One night around 1am, I was leaving Gator's Dockside and a bunch of kids were hanging around the cops cars chatting with the cops like they were good friends. At first, I was concerned that something was going on, but soon realized they were just chatting. It was a nice feeling to see cops handling the situation in such a peaceful manner.

I love living here.... Its like heaven!!!!

Seems that 'we' and our constables are doing the nipping with discretion.
We were all teenagers (some of us still are!) and those teens all going to be adults soon enough.
One of the concerns we heard was that once the new town square opens, it will draw many outside TV from areas like Wildwood and Leesburg, teens and older adults, with more regularity due to its convenience to 301 and SR44.

While it might be a NIMBY issue, it's still something of interest to all.

We do appreciate social tolerance and diversity are looking forward to our upcoming relocation to the home we already own in TV.

[eremite06]

From what I saw last friday night, the teenagers are getting more brazen in their behavior. Much loitering, yelling out car windows and even drawing obscene pictures on car windows. Where is Sumter PD? Are they patroling LSL like Lady Lake PD does in SS? A bicycle patrol at least on the weekends should be instituted. I didn't move here to be harassed by a bunch of PUNKS!!!!

[Bonny]

gracie:

If they cause trouble after 10pm, you really think any villager will know about it? :jester:

I mean aren't we all in bed and asleep? :a040:

And, seriously, we do know that if there's trouble, the daily sun isn't going to tell us about it!

Swr
:beer3:

rotflmao !!!!

[Tbugs]

From what I saw last friday night, the teenagers are getting more brazen in their behavior. Much loitering, yelling out car windows and even drawing obscene pictures on car windows. Where is Sumter PD? Are they patroling LSL like Lady Lake PD does in SS? A bicycle patrol at least on the weekends should be instituted. I didn't move here to be harassed by a bunch of PUNKS!!!!
______________________

You were harassed by a bunch of punks? If you were harassed by punks in Lake Sumter Landing, why didn't you call 911? :shrug:

Chances are the teens you saw are grandkids visiting over Thanksgiving break and were just out with others at the movies or entertainment.

Would you rather be in The Villages or The Bronx, Cleveland, or Detroit for teen issues?

This is not a gated community. The public is free to come in and enjoy the entertainment and restaurants. If you wanted a true gated community, there are plenty around. Call 911 if there are threats or roving gangs. I think this is a mighty safe community.

[eremite06]

OK, the writing on the windows happened to my brother-in-law, an FHP Trooper. He didn't flash his badge and didn't want to call Sumter County PD because he didn't want to wait around for them to show up. When he washed the obscene pictures off the winshield with the wipers the teen "girls," standing behind his car said "Why did you wash off my c..k and balls off the window?" As he backed out they yelled "Hey, don't run over us!"

Like I said. there needs to be a police patrol in LSL on weekends.

[MrMark]

For my money I'd prefer to see teenagers in Town Squares rather than Dogs and Cats. Although some of them should be on leashes (teenagers) they don't poop on the street, bark at people who pass them by and they certainly don't smell and lick people's feet.

Couldn't agree more. Never had a kid lick me or poop at my feet or bark at me at Spanish Springs. Also never saw a kid (at 10:00 or later) being cuddled in someones arms like a newborn baby. If they don't bother you then you shouldn't bother worrying about them.

[paulandjean]

I think they have enough police in the town squares.There are many many eyes watching and keeping out for whats going on. There are plainclothes officers on many occasions. I have not seen any bad problems by teenagers.Lots of these young kids know that they are being watched. The person who made reference to Detroit, I was a schoolteacher in detroit, and there are many great kids there.

[Pturner]

From what I saw last friday night, the teenagers are getting more brazen in their behavior. Much loitering, yelling out car windows and even drawing obscene pictures on car windows. Where is Sumter PD? Are they patroling LSL like Lady Lake PD does in SS? A bicycle patrol at least on the weekends should be instituted. I didn't move here to be harassed by a bunch of PUNKS!!!!

Well, he at least should have called Gracie, Red and me. :boxing2:

[redwitch]

Um, I'd probably join the teenagers. I've seen many teens in the squares and I've yet to see one acting up. I will admit that if I'm in the parking lot by myself, I'll feel uncomfortable seeing a group of them, but I haven't seen them do anything untoward, including being loud or even vocal.

On this theme, I was driving by TooJay's towards SweetBay on Sunday around 5:30. The police golf cart had stopped 3 pre-teens or very early teen by the doctor's office. I have no idea what the kids were doing wrong (driving a cart under age 14?), but the officer was definitely writing a ticket and the kids were definitely looked scared to death.

[petenj]

From what I saw last friday night, the teenagers are getting more brazen in their behavior. Much loitering, yelling out car windows and even drawing obscene pictures on car windows. Where is Sumter PD? Are they patroling LSL like Lady Lake PD does in SS? A bicycle patrol at least on the weekends should be instituted. I didn't move here to be harassed by a bunch of PUNKS!!!!

I love your by line" Born in the City of Brotherly Love, Pa".

[Hawkwind]

It is not only the teen agers that would cause a "true" police presence as some adults need to be controlled as well. Case in point the group that roped 12 chairs at the Rocky concert on Sat night. That was interesting to watch develop. The people that roped the chairs did not return until 7:00 and someone had removed the rope over an hour earlier. This had the making of a good old bar fight but it never came to that but it is only a matter of time before it does. There was one mad blond and that is putting it mildly.

[graciegirl]

It is not only the teen agers that would cause a "true" police presence as some adults need to be controlled as well. Case in point the group that roped 12 chairs at the Rocky concert on Sat night. That was interesting to watch develop. The people that roped the chairs did not return until 7:00 and someone had removed the rope over an hour earlier. This had the making of a good old bar fight but it never came to that but it is only a matter of time before it does. There was one mad blond and that is putting it mildly.

I can't get over that someone had the audacity to chain and lock chairs together. Holy bowlegged sarah...that takes....um.....courage.

[Bryant]

Came out of the movie at Lake Sumter Saturday night to find a cheeseburger smashed onto my windshield (cheese down, of course) and the wiper blades placed on top. They didn't hang around to see our reaction. :grumpy:

[texasfal]

Cowards!

[eremite06]

Came out of the movie at Lake Sumter Saturday night to find a cheeseburger smashed onto my windshield (cheese down, of course) and the wiper blades placed on top. They didn't hang around to see our reaction. :grumpy:

There you go. Red, still want to join these teens? By the way, most of these teens are not grandkids. Haven't you sat and watched mom drop off 4 or 5 at the squares, and drive off? I have.

[redwitch]

And you know this was a teenager who smashed the burger on the car how? I've seen some pretty disorderly drunken adults in the squares and I wouldn't be surprised if it was one of those anymore than I'd be surprised to find out it was a teen being a brat. I've seen Villagers do some pretty drastic things because they didn't like the way a vehicle was parked (including key a golf cart that took up two spaces). Sorry, I refuse to assume it was a teen who did this without more proof.

Would I want to join in with whomever did that? Of course not. But I like teens. I like most of their music, their energy, their slightly (?) skewed thinking. They can be fun to hang around with (when they don't mind an adult being there).

I don't like punks, regardless of their age. The burger smasher is a punk.

[BlueHeronFan]

Kind of hard to not expect teens in this area when The Villages has their own High School. You should see the teen romance going on out on the boardwalk. Whooo Hoooo
I remember those days.

As long as they are respectful, and not raising hell, no big deal. However, when they are running around in the back parking lots, there does need to be a police presense in those areas.

[graciegirl]

Kind of hard to not expect teens in this area when The Villages has their own High School. You should see the teen romance going on out on the boardwalk. Whooo Hoooo
I remember those days.

As long as they are respectful, and not raising hell, no big deal. However, when they are running around in the back parking lots, there does need to be a police presense in those areas.

I always know, when I see a post from Blue Heron Fan, that I will read something reasonable and thought out and something I always agree with.

[suzyh]

It's been our experience, when attending a movie with a large number of teenagers and younger folks (the Twilight movies come to mind), that the kids are very well behaved.

[sista]

For my money I'd prefer to see teenagers in Town Squares rather than Dogs and Cats. Although some of them should be on leashes (teenagers) they don't poop on the street, bark at people who pass them by and they certainly don't smell and lick people's feet.Yea... did ya see the guy with the 8 foot python and 2 parrots!