Local Sheriff Does not Know Law:

[rkimball]

Living in Sumter County I know nothing about how the Marion County Sheriffs office works. I will tell you that answers to questions I have posed the Sumter Sheriff have been answered incorrectly. Most involve golf carts.

Today’s Daily Sun has an article about Coconuts Internet Café and their shutting down by the Sumter County Sheriff. My wife went to Coconuts last spring and bought one of their telephone cards and this card not only provided free long distance calling but time on a computer to recoup her money. The same as McDonalds Monopoly game.

The total time she received this card allowed her to make long distance calls all summer long at no additional charge. We estimated that the value of that card using a figure of $.10 a minute was over $3,600. It even work for calls to Hawaii.

So when compared to the sweeps at McDonald or Burger King they lose hands down we will take Coconuts any time.

[borisj]

Living in Sumter County I know nothing about how the Marion County Sheriffs office works. I will tell you that answers to questions I have posed the Sumter Sheriff have been answered incorrectly. Most involve golf carts.

Today’s Daily Sun has an article about Coconuts Internet Café and their shutting down by the Sumter County Sheriff. My wife went to Coconuts last spring and bought one of their telephone cards and this card not only provided free long distance calling but time on a computer to recoup her money. The same as McDonalds Monopoly game.

The total time she received this card allowed her to make long distance calls all summer long at no additional charge. We estimated that the value of that card using a figure of $.10 a minute was over $3,600. It even work for calls to Hawaii.



So when compared to the sweeps at McDonald or Burger King they lose hands down we will take Coconuts any time.

Or as PT Barnum said; " There's a s------ born every minute!

[rkimball]

What does that mean? The Sheriffs down here don't know the law. Half make it up as they go along. Just ask them questions the next time they have government day some questions about the rules governing golf carts and then look up here.

http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0316/ch0316.htm

[BogeyBoy]

Living in Sumter County I know nothing about how the Marion County Sheriffs office works. I will tell you that answers to questions I have posed the Sumter Sheriff have been answered incorrectly. Most involve golf carts.

Today’s Daily Sun has an article about Coconuts Internet Café and their shutting down by the Sumter County Sheriff. My wife went to Coconuts last spring and bought one of their telephone cards and this card not only provided free long distance calling but time on a computer to recoup her money. The same as McDonalds Monopoly game.

The total time she received this card allowed her to make long distance calls all summer long at no additional charge. We estimated that the value of that card using a figure of $.10 a minute was over $3,600. It even work for calls to Hawaii.

So when compared to the sweeps at McDonald or Burger King they lose hands down we will take Coconuts any time.

I read the article in the paper and have to admit I know nothing about Coconuts. (I also know nothing about McDonalds Monopoly game.) Maybe someone can educate me. How much do you have to pay to get this card that gets you $3600 worth of phone calls? And then you get time on a computer to recoup your money? What does that mean? How do you recoup your money? And what does this have to do with the sheriff's knowledge?

[pqrstar]

Rkimball,

Could you please be specific about what golf cart laws you feel that the Sumter sheriff is unaware of or is not abiding by?

[rkimball]

i'll give you one. If you have others you should ask the sheriff your self.

According to Sheriff Farmer's public information officer " it is Illegal for a faster golf cart, as long as it doesn't exceed its 19.9 miles per hour, to pass a slower one on public highways. The Lady Lake police Chief, Ed Nathanson already disallowed this back in 2002. There is no such law.

[chuckster]

I'm confused............If I'm "cruising at 19 mph" and someone is sightseeing at 10 mph, you're saying I can't pass (if not governed by double yellow lines) the slower cart. Think you are misinformed on this one...........Please educate me!!

[rkimball]

According to Sheriff Farmer you would break the law if you passed that cruiser. Ask him yourself tommorrow.
http://www.districtgov.org/images/whatsnew/Government%20Day%20Flyer%202009.pdf

[pqrstar]

I have read these requlations at
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/ind...316/ch0316.htm
and I can't find any that refer to passing slower golf carts.

Local govermental authorities can add additional restrictions to these Statues, but according to you the Sumter county sheriff and the Lady Lake Police Department have given you conflicting information. These are two different local governmental authorities, so I would think maybe they could possibly have different regulations.

Where in the statues are the passing restrictions addressed?

[EdV]

The basic argument is that if you are driving your golf cart on one of the county roads that has the rightmost lane set up for golf carts with a solid white line and diamonds (like Morse Blvd.), then you cannot cross over the white line and enter the middle part of the road that is for registered vehicles only.

If you do this, even just to pass a slow moving cart that’s in the cart lane, you are technically operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a public road that is not designated for golf carts.

[MarcV]

Does this mean when the maintenance people park there, we are to do what? Wait an hour or so until they decide to park on some other cart path? This happens regularly on Lyndhaven and Belvedere. I guess we (dozens of us) are just lucky there's no sheriff's officer watching us veer into the, shudder, automobile lane to pass the obstruction. :confused:

[BogeyBoy]

The basic argument is that if you are driving your golf cart on one of the county roads that has the rightmost lane set up for golf carts with a solid white line and diamonds (like Morse Blvd.), then you cannot cross over the white line and enter the middle part of the road that is for registered vehicles only.

If you do this, even just to pass a slow moving cart that’s in the cart lane, you are technically operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a public road that is not designated for golf carts.

So how about when you have to cross those roads, for example to make a left turn?

On county roadways you may operate a golf cart if the county or municipality has designated that road for golf cart use and signs are posted to indicate that such operation is allowed. I'm pretty sure TV falls into that category. I read through the statutes and don't see anything that says there can/must/will be designated areas of the roadways for golf carts. The white lines and golf cart lanes are probably there to give some sense of order to traffic flow. Imagine the chaos that would take place if the major roads didn't have those lanes.

BTW - what happened to the original comment about Coconuts? I'm still waiting to find out what that was all about.

[EdV]

So how about when you have to cross those roads, for example to make a left turn?

Yes, and that's what makes this whole issue so controversial.

[chacam]

if you do this, even just to pass a slow moving cart that’s in the cart lane, you are technically operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a public road that is not designated for golf carts.

ba lo ney

[EdV]

Wow, what a thoughtful response!

[rkimball]

What about the walkers?

[rkimball]

In addition, they have for the construction on Morse Blvd, autos driving in the cart path lanes. You are also required to merge with traffic when making a left turn.

The Coconuts thing was once thrown out by a judge once before and the machines returned. The problem I see in Florida is the Sheriffs have too much power and counties have become little fiefdoms.

[golf2140]

It sounds as though someone does not like authority !!!!!!!:crap2:

[Hancle704]

I think that's bogus as originally enforced by Lady Lake PD and then rescinded. If that solid white line was as you have stated and indicator of NO PASSING, you would not be able to pass a bicycle or walker.

Lt Wolfe of Sumter Sheriff's Office may have a clearer explanation in this case. You may wish to check with him as he told me that it is also legal for a car to move over right into the "diamond" lane to pass a car waiting to make a left turn as long as the pasing car stays on the road.

Perhaps the enforcement is when a "golf cart" that has been souped up passes another legal golf cart at a speed greater than 20 MPH. A street legal cart of course can pass and in my opinion if it is doing the speed limit, it should stay out of the diamond lane.

[GatorFan]

A solid white line marks the right edge of the roadway or separates lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. You may travel in the same direction on both sides of this line, but you should not cross the line unless you must do so to avoid a hazard.

Double Solid White Line
A double sold white line separates two lanes of traffic going in the same direction. Crossing a double solid line is prohibited.

Not sure if this helps answer your questions about solid white lines. I posted link to Driver Handbook.

[rkimball]

I think that's bogus as originally enforced by Lady Lake PD and then rescinded. If that solid white line was as you have stated and indicator of NO PASSING, you would not be able to pass a bicycle or walker.

Lt Wolfe of Sumter Sheriff's Office may have a clearer explanation in this case. You may wish to check with him as he told me that it is also legal for a car to move over right into the "diamond" lane to pass a car waiting to make a left turn as long as the pasing car stays on the road.

Perhaps the enforcement is when a "golf cart" that has been souped up passes another legal golf cart at a speed greater than 20 MPH. A street legal cart of course can pass and in my opinion if it is doing the speed limit, it should stay out of the diamond lane.


An automobile may use the “golf cart lane” to pass a car making a left turn. It must stay on the paved surface.

[borisj]

Wow! If Passing a Golf Cart is an issue of such proportions that it has prompted 3 pages of dialogue, I can't imagine how many pages would be written on the subject of how to properly negotiate a ROTARY. That folks is how someone is going to be killed some day, a much more probable likelihood than a fatality resulting from passing a golf cart at 19.9 MPH or crossing a solid line to pass a Pedestrian who probably should be smart enough to get out of the way in the first place.

[Talk Host]

An automobile may use the “golf cart lane” to pass a car making a left turn. It must stay on the paved surface.

I think somebody is misinformed about this.

[rkimball]

I think somebody is misinformed about this.What do you mean?

316.084 When overtaking on the right is permitted.--

(1) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass on the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:

(a) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;

(b) Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving traffic in each direction;

(c) Upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.

(2) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway.

(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.

[Talk Host]

What do you mean?

316.084 When overtaking on the right is permitted.--

(1) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass on the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:

(a) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;

(b) Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving traffic in each direction;

(c) Upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.

(2) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway.

(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.


I read this very carefully several times. I cannot find in it where it says that cars may cross over to the right over a solid white line and into a pedestrian/golf cart lane. It does say they may not drive off the "main-traveled portion of the roadway." To my way of thinking, the path where people walk and unregistered golf carts travel is not the 'main traveled portion of the roadway."

In a court of law, a jury would likely look with disfavor on a driver who was so careless as to drive into a pedestrian walkway and kill or injure an individual.

I have been wrong in the past, and may be this time too. But I'm guessing that cart/pedestrian lanes are not passing lanes for cars and trucks.

[rkimball]

I read this very carefully several times. I cannot find in it where it says that cars may cross over to the right over a solid white line and into a pedestrian/golf cart lane. It does say they may not drive off the "main-traveled portion of the roadway." To my way of thinking, the path where people walk and unregistered golf carts travel is not the 'main traveled portion of the roadway."

In a court of law, a jury would likely look with disfavor on a driver who was so careless as to drive into a pedestrian walkway and kill or injure an individual.

I have been wrong in the past, and may be this time too. But I'm guessing that cart/pedestrian lanes are not passing lanes for cars and trucks.

Self-explanatory: (b) Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving traffic in each direction;
Doesn't have to say anything about linage.

.There are walkers in the villages that will say those lanes are not for walkers as there are walkers that will say those lanes are walker only. How many times have you heard that the walkers should move to the grass when a cart comes? Many areas beside the cart paths are private property and residents really do not appreciate people walking on their lawns

[Talk Host]

Self-explanatory: (b) Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving traffic in each direction;
Doesn't have to say anything about linage.

.There are walkers in the villages that will say those lanes are not for walkers as there are walkers that will say those lanes are walker only. How many times have you heard that the walkers should move to the grass when a cart comes? Many areas beside the cart paths are private property and residents really do not appreciate people walking on their lawns


Read it very carefully. "sufficient width for two or more lines of moving traffic in each direction." The golf cart path is not a lane for cars. It is a restricted lane for golf carts and pedestrians. It doesn't qualify for inclusion as a place for "two or more lines of moving traffic."

A car may not use an HOV lane to pass other vehicles on highways. Cars cannot use the shoulder to pass on any road. Both are paved portions of the road, but are off limits.

I firmly believe that under no circumstances does the law allow automobile traffic to use the cart paths. Cart drivers (and walkers) should reasonably expect that their right of way will never be legally encroached by cars and trucks.

Are we having fun yet? :MOJE_whot:

[rkimball]

Read it very carefully. "sufficient width for two or more lines of moving traffic in each direction." The golf cart path is not a lane for cars. It is a restricted lane for golf carts and pedestrians. It doesn't qualify for inclusion as a place for "two or more lines of moving traffic."

A car may not use an HOV lane to pass other vehicles on highways. Cars cannot use the shoulder to pass on any road. Both are paved portions of the road, but are off limits.

I firmly believe that under no circumstances does the law allow automobile traffic to use the cart paths. Cart drivers (and walkers) should reasonably expect that their right of way will never be legally encroached by cars and trucks.

Are we having fun yet? :MOJE_whot:

You are wrong. I see GEMs and the Ford Think LSV on the cart paths and golf courses all the time. They are licensed Low Speed Neighborhood Vehicles. In addition, I don’t mean the lanes on the side of the road but the multi model paths along Buena Vista and El Camino Real.

I stated before that any one viewing this thread would have the opportunity to ask the sheriff Saturday. If you did not avail your self to get an answer from the horse’s mouth, please don’t waste my time with opinions instead of facts. I suggest that you avail your self of the Defensive Driving Course offered by AARP and they will able to answer all your driving and traffic control questions.

This thread was started on the closure of Coconuts Internet Café. Even though a Judge threw out the last closure of Coconuts, allowed them to reopen and HAD the sheriff return to Coconuts their equipment the sheriff in his ultimate wisdom thinks he is smarter than the judge is. Maybe, but this new arrest and closure smell to me like an act of retribution not a true enforcement of law. Alternatively, as I stated before, the Sheriffs may be lacking knowledge of the law.

The sheriff HAS, I repeat HAS not enforced the law regarding water restrictions even though he has been so directed by the State of Florida.

[EdV]

You are wrong. I see GEMs and the Ford Think LSV on the cart paths and golf courses all the time........

The golf cart paths and multi-modal paths in TV are private and therefore are not under the jurisdiction of the county Sheriffs’ department as far as traffic violations go.

The diamond lanes on the public roads within TV are under the Sheriffs’ department and include use by both golf carts and low speed vehicles.

[Talk Host]

You are wrong. If you did not avail your self to get an answer from the horse’s mouth, please don’t waste my time with opinions instead of facts.

The sheriff HAS, I repeat HAS not enforced the law regarding water restrictions even though he has been so directed by the State of Florida.

I'm afraid you are going to find out the hard way! Either way, I don't care.

[rkimball]

I'm afraid you are going to find out the hard way! Either way, I don't care.

I don't know what you are talking about. What is it that you think I will find out the hard way. All I have stated is that the SCS doesn't do his job. How will that ever have anything to do with me. That is not an opinion but a fact. Anyone viewing this thread had the opportunity to question the sheriff yesterday to refute what I said. If you or any one else that disagreed with my statement did not follow up on that then that is their problem not mine.

That is also why I post with my name not an alias.

[BogeyBoy]

I don't know what you are talking about. What is it that you think I will find out the hard way. All I have stated is that the SCS doesn't do his job. How will that ever have anything to do with me. That is not an opinion but a fact. Anyone viewing this thread had the opportunity to question the sheriff yesterday to refute what I said. If you or any one else that disagreed with my statement did not follow up on that then that is their problem not mine.

That is also why I post with my name not an alias.

Are you saying that he doesn't do his job because of Coconuts? (The subject mentioned in your original post and your wife buying a telephone card.) That seems to be what started this whole thread which has somehow detoured to who can use what lane on public roads.

[Talk Host]

If you or any one else that disagreed with my statement did not follow up on that then that is their problem not mine.



Question! Why is it up to us to follow up on your statement. It's your statement. You made it. You should be the one to prove it.

I know the correct information, I don't have to follow up on your statement.
10-4 good buddy. Over and out.

JLK

[golf2140]

I don't know what you are talking about. What is it that you think I will find out the hard way. All I have stated is that the SCS doesn't do his job. How will that ever have anything to do with me. That is not an opinion but a fact. Anyone viewing this thread had the opportunity to question the sheriff yesterday to refute what I said. If you or any one else that disagreed with my statement did not follow up on that then that is their problem not mine.

That is also why I post with my name not an alias.

Talk about an attitude. :censored:

[Larryandlinda]

Question! Why is it up to us to follow up on your statement. It's your statement. You made it. You should be the one to prove it.

I know the correct information, I don't have to follow up on your statement.
10-4 good buddy. Over and out.

JLK
Dear Honorable Administrator/Talk Host:
How did this sheriff'n thing get onto Contractors and Services?
Talk about being in 'the wrong lane!'
What if someone visits looking for some help in that area?

[rkimball]

Are you saying that he doesn't do his job because of Coconuts? (The subject mentioned in your original post and your wife buying a telephone card.) That seems to be what started this whole thread which has somehow detoured to who can use what lane on public roads.
Yes

[rkimball]

Question! Why is it up to us to follow up on your statement. It's your statement. You made it. You should be the one to prove it.

I know the correct information, I don't have to follow up on your statement.
10-4 good buddy. Over and out.

JLK

If you can read you would already know that a Sumter county judge made the Sheriff return the computers to Coconuts so they could reopen once before. That should be proof enough. What you are saying is that the SHERIFF NOWS THE LAW BETTER THAN THE JUDGE.
IF YOU BELIEVE THAT THEN THERE IS NOTHING ANY ONE COULD TELL YOU BECAUSE YOU ALREADY KNOW EVERYTHING.

[Xavier]

Are you saying that he doesn't do his job because of Coconuts? (The subject mentioned in your original post and your wife buying a telephone card.) That seems to be what started this whole thread which has somehow detoured to who can use what lane on public roads.

From the very first post I couldn't really figure out what the complaint was or the rationale behind it. When it was never clarified, I figured the thread would die a natural death. I am totally surprised that it's gone on this long. Things must be really slow to draw this kind of attention.

[borisj]

From the very first post I couldn't really figure out what the complaint was or the rationale behind it. When it was never clarified, I figured the thread would die a natural death. I am totally surprised that it's gone on this long. Things must be really slow to draw this kind of attention.

Got that right! Glad to see at least one of you emerge from the clouds!

[graciegirl]

Living in Sumter County I know nothing about how the Marion County Sheriffs office works. I will tell you that answers to questions I have posed the Sumter Sheriff have been answered incorrectly. Most involve golf carts.

Today’s Daily Sun has an article about Coconuts Internet Café and their shutting down by the Sumter County Sheriff. My wife went to Coconuts last spring and bought one of their telephone cards and this card not only provided free long distance calling but time on a computer to recoup her money. The same as McDonalds Monopoly game.

The total time she received this card allowed her to make long distance calls all summer long at no additional charge. We estimated that the value of that card using a figure of $.10 a minute was over $3,600. It even work for calls to Hawaii.

So when compared to the sweeps at McDonald or Burger King they lose hands down we will take Coconuts any time.

Mr. Kimball.

This is your original post and I have been intermittently reading this thread and trying to understand the issues here. Can you state again what happened? Did you receive a ticket for passing on the right?

[Talk Host]

From the very first post I couldn't really figure out what the complaint was or the rationale behind it. When it was never clarified, I figured the thread would die a natural death. I am totally surprised that it's gone on this long. Things must be really slow to draw this kind of attention.

The only reason I jumped into this was because there was blaring misinformation being posted. It was of significant importance that it be pointed out.

[rkimball]

Mr. Kimball.

This is your original post and I have been intermittently reading this thread and trying to understand the issues here. Can you state again what happened? Did you receive a ticket for passing on the right?

Let me first state that I did not receive a ticket or summons from the local sheriffs office or any other Florida Police Force.

To answer your question:

I read in The Villages Daily Sun about the Sheriff closing Coconuts Internet Café. This closing was done after a Sumter county judge already ruled against the sheriff in a previous case against Coconuts. This to me reeks of harassment. The judge also made the sheriff return all of their computers so that they could reopen.

I also had previous problems with enforcement of the SWFWMD water restrictions. It is the responsibility of the sheriff to enforce this state statute. He has not done his required duty. Section 10. County and city officials and all law enforcement authorities are required to enforce this statute.

http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/files/database/site_file_sets/21/water_shortage_swf07-02.pdf


I went to an AAC meeting that made a representative for the Sumter County Sheriff available for questions. I asked him about two rumors I had heard about. The answers I received did not seem reasonable to me, as they had no common sense. The first question was on roads that had golf cart/ walking lane attached to automobile lanes could one golf cart pass another slower one. The sheriff’s rep said no. This did not sound logical since a cart could pass a walker. Nowhere did I find in the Florida Traffic laws did I find that a golf cart had to stay in that dedicated lane. There are so many places that in fact they have signs directing carts to merge with auto traffic.

I think it was back in 2002 that a female police officer from the Lady Lake Police Department ticketed a golf cart driver for this exact ominous violation. When Chief Nathenson reviewed this summons, he had it revoked. Since the Daily Sun has no archives, I cannot find the article back this up so you would have to take my word for it.

For some reason some one called TALK HOST thinks that I am a liar. When I tell him he could have gone to the Government Meeting last Saturday it seemed to up set him that I might be right, there is also a thing called the telephone.

So, lets get back to the Coconuts Café thing. MY WIFE WENT TO COCONUTS AND PURCHASED A PREPAID TELEPHONE CARD. THIS CARD IS GOOD FOR 30 DAYS AND HAD 600 HOURS OF TIME ON IT. I REPEAT 600 HOURS (HOURS not MINUTES). I computed this to be 600 hours time 60 minutes times .10 for a value of $3600. Not bad for 20 dollars. Not only that but the phone card was good for all of the US not just the contiguous states. I used it to call my wife when she was in Hawaii.

So why would the sheriff close them down again? So why is this guy TALK HOST all upset? Your guess is as good as mine.

Oh, the other question was: Does the Sheriff have the right to enforce traffic laws on private property? This time I did not get a reasonable answer. So, that is part of the story.

[Talk Host]

For some reason some one called TALK HOST thinks that I am a liar. When I tell him he could have gone to the Government Meeting last Saturday .

You might be interested to know that this "someone called Talk Host" owns this forum and you are a guest on my forum. Please try to not be so acerbic. There is no need for it.

JLK

[Xavier]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0SeurAi-wc

[thegreenerside]

So, lets get back to the Coconuts Café thing. MY WIFE WENT TO COCONUTS AND PURCHASED A PREPAID TELEPHONE CARD. THIS CARD IS GOOD FOR 30 DAYS AND HAD 600 HOURS OF TIME ON IT. I REPEAT 600 HOURS (HOURS not MINUTES). I computed this to be 600 hours time 60 minutes times .10 for a value of $3600. Not bad for 20 dollars. Not only that but the phone card was good for all of the US not just the contiguous states. I used it to call my wife when she was in Hawaii.


Magic Jack

For $39.95 a year I can talk to whoever I want in the United States. No limit on time and based on your calculations that is worth $52000 per year. Get over it as the gambling saloon is gone. If your wife wanted to gamble maybe she should have voted for the Quarter Horse Track to be built on US 301.

[BogeyBoy]

Let me first state that I did not receive a ticket or summons from the local sheriffs office or any other Florida Police Force.

To answer your question:

I read in The Villages Daily Sun about the Sheriff closing Coconuts Internet Café. This closing was done after a Sumter county judge already ruled against the sheriff in a previous case against Coconuts. This to me reeks of harassment. The judge also made the sheriff return all of their computers so that they could reopen.

I also had previous problems with enforcement of the SWFWMD water restrictions. It is the responsibility of the sheriff to enforce this state statute. He has not done his required duty. Section 10. County and city officials and all law enforcement authorities are required to enforce this statute.

http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/files/database/site_file_sets/21/water_shortage_swf07-02.pdf


I went to an AAC meeting that made a representative for the Sumter County Sheriff available for questions. I asked him about two rumors I had heard about. The answers I received did not seem reasonable to me, as they had no common sense. The first question was on roads that had golf cart/ walking lane attached to automobile lanes could one golf cart pass another slower one. The sheriff’s rep said no. This did not sound logical since a cart could pass a walker. Nowhere did I find in the Florida Traffic laws did I find that a golf cart had to stay in that dedicated lane. There are so many places that in fact they have signs directing carts to merge with auto traffic.

I think it was back in 2002 that a female police officer from the Lady Lake Police Department ticketed a golf cart driver for this exact ominous violation. When Chief Nathenson reviewed this summons, he had it revoked. Since the Daily Sun has no archives, I cannot find the article back this up so you would have to take my word for it.

For some reason some one called TALK HOST thinks that I am a liar. When I tell him he could have gone to the Government Meeting last Saturday it seemed to up set him that I might be right, there is also a thing called the telephone.

So, lets get back to the Coconuts Café thing. MY WIFE WENT TO COCONUTS AND PURCHASED A PREPAID TELEPHONE CARD. THIS CARD IS GOOD FOR 30 DAYS AND HAD 600 HOURS OF TIME ON IT. I REPEAT 600 HOURS (HOURS not MINUTES). I computed this to be 600 hours time 60 minutes times .10 for a value of $3600. Not bad for 20 dollars. Not only that but the phone card was good for all of the US not just the contiguous states. I used it to call my wife when she was in Hawaii.

So why would the sheriff close them down again? So why is this guy TALK HOST all upset? Your guess is as good as mine.

Oh, the other question was: Does the Sheriff have the right to enforce traffic laws on private property? This time I did not get a reasonable answer. So, that is part of the story.

Let me get this straight - you (your wife) purchased a calling card that you state has a value of $3600 for $20. At this time I would become a little suspicious of this establishment. (But that's my opinion. I'm still looking for a Lexus dealer who will sell me a new $36,000 Lexus for $200.)

I know that legal cases can get complicated. (And thrown out. Just because a case is thrown out doesn't mean the case didn't have merit.) According to you the first case was thrown out. Perhaps something new happened that got the attention of the district attorney - maybe a complaint from someone like you who thought the calling card should be worth $4500 and felt ripped off. Maybe they allowed 110 people in the establishment and it is only licensed for occupancy of 108. Who knows? (Who cares?) Bottom line is that the sheriff or the DA felt the need to shut them down again. Of course there will be two sides to the story. Hopefully a court of law will make the right decision, maybe the same judge will get the case again and they'll be back in operation. Or maybe he'll pursue it this time. I know nothing, zip, nada, zero, about this case. And I'll bet that very few people do.

Sorry you're not getting answers to your questions to the sheriff, but you pointed out the statutes, and they can get confusing. (Especially golf carts, they are not the normal vehicle that law enforcement has to deal with and ticket, etc. Look at the bright side, if you get a ticket from a confused officer all you'll need is a sharp attorney and you'll be home free. Use some of that $3580 to pay for the attorney!)

[graciegirl]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0SeurAi-wc

ahhh... Now we're talkin'. I enjoyed your music X!!

[rkimball]

You might be interested to know that this "someone called Talk Host" owns this forum and you are a guest on my forum. Please try to not be so acerbic. There is no need for it.

JLK


Then you should not infer that some one is making up stories so you can keep you Juvenile forum and attitude.

BYe,BYe

[golf2140]

Then you should not infer that some one is making up stories so you can keep you Juvenile forum and attitude.

BYe,BYe

That's the best statement you have made. Bye-Bye:a040:

[Xavier]

Then you should not infer that some one is making up stories so you can keep you Juvenile forum and attitude.

BYe,BYe

:wave::wave::wave::wave::wave::wave::wave:

[rkimball]

:wave::wave::wave::wave::wave::wave::wave:

one down one to go.

[rkimball]

You might be interested to know that this "someone called Talk Host" owns this forum and you are a guest on my forum. Please try to not be so acerbic. There is no need for it.

JLK

Not to be acerbic but flowery and short, told you so.

Sumter County Prosecuter drops charges against Coconuts Internet cafee.

AGENT OF KEEPER OF GAMBLING HOUSE Prosecutor: Nolle Prosequi
CONDUCTING AN ILLEGAL LOTTERY Prosecutor: Nolle Prosequi
POSSESSION OF COIN OPERATED DEVICE 1ST OFFENSE Prosecutor: Nolle Prosequi

[jebartle]

I was sure this thread would make it to page 10.....Very entertaining...giggle

[redwitch]

Well, we can always see if we can keep it going. I'm still not sure what the point of the whole thing is. Sorry, but I really don't care if a video game room is closed up, sorry. I'm also not sure about how rk figured his "savings" on the phone card, but as long he's happy, who cares? As to the golf cart path issue, it makes no sense -- so long as you're not speeding to pass another cart and there are no cars in the "car" lane, passing should be legal (at least according to my logic).

Okay, next comment -- we gotta make 10 pages for je!

[redwitch]

But you gotta really say something about the subject, not just mouth off.

[Taltarzac]

But you gotta really say something about the subject, not just mouth off.

This is from the Florida Statutes:



"316.2125 Operation of golf carts within a retirement community.--

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 316.212, the reasonable operation of a golf cart, equipped and operated as provided in s. 316.212 (5), (6), and (7), within any self-contained retirement community is permitted unless prohibited under subsection (2).

(2)(a) A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of golf carts on any street or highway under its jurisdiction if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that such prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.

(b) The Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of golf carts on any street or highway under its jurisdiction if it determines that such prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.

(3) A local governmental entity may enact an ordinance regarding golf cart operation and equipment which is more restrictive than those enumerated in this section. Upon enactment of any such ordinance, the local governmental entity shall post appropriate signs or otherwise inform the residents that such an ordinance exists and that it shall be enforced within the local government's jurisdictional territory. An ordinance referred to in this section must apply only to an unlicensed driver.
History.--s. 1, ch. 88-253; s. 6, ch. 96-413; s. 8, ch. 2000-313; s. 15, ch. 2006-290; s. 4, ch. 2008-98.

[punkpup]

So do you think that means that Coconuts will reopen?

Not to be acerbic but flowery and short, told you so.

Sumter County Prosecuter drops charges against Coconuts Internet cafee.

AGENT OF KEEPER OF GAMBLING HOUSE Prosecutor: Nolle Prosequi
CONDUCTING AN ILLEGAL LOTTERY Prosecutor: Nolle Prosequi
POSSESSION OF COIN OPERATED DEVICE 1ST OFFENSE Prosecutor: Nolle Prosequi

[rkimball]

It Is Open.

[golf2140]

I guess my wife can go use her phone card!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[EdV]

Actually, it re-opened well over a month ago.

[mulligan]

Since we have open coconuts, we might as well have pina coladas!!