Independence Day Fireworks on Lake Sumter

[ColdNoMore]

For the first time in many years the Villages will have a community fireworks display on the 4th of July. Technicians are prepping the boat to launch fireworks from the middle of Lake Sumter! :coolsmiley:

We've been here, either renting or owning, for 8 Independence Day's and have always wondered that with the perfect venue of Lake Sumpter (I put the pee in it :D)...why there was never a fireworks display. :confused:


If it does happen...it will be very, very cool! :coolsmiley:

[twoplanekid]

We've been here, either renting or owning, for 8 Independence Day's and have always wondered that with the perfect venue of Lake Sumpter (I put the pee in it :D)...why there was never a fireworks display. :confused:


If it does happens...it will be very, very cool! :coolsmiley:


I agree ! :mademyday:

[ColdNoMore]

I agree ! :mademyday:

Yep. :D

[kcrazorbackfan]

For the first time in many years the Villages will have a community fireworks display on the 4th of July. Technicians are prepping the boat to launch fireworks from the middle of Lake Sumter! :coolsmiley:

The fireworks display will have to be before 7pm because it will wake up all the old folks. :1rotfl:

[twoplanekid]

If everyone gets their little hearts desire than the charges will go up. That is the bottom line.

I like it the way it is.

If you are talking about fireworks, I disagree!

For the past 30 years in Urbana, Ohio, the Rotary Club would collect monies from businesses, individuals and Rotarians to fund fireworks held at the city owned airport. The club did this in the spirit of patriotism and for all our citizens to enjoy for free. I will miss it this year as I am down here.

Someday, I would hope a local group could do the same here in the Villages. The cost of freedom is not free.

[ColdNoMore]

If you are talking about fireworks, I disagree!

For the past 30 years in Urbana, Ohio, the Rotary Club would collect monies from businesses, individuals and Rotarians to fund fireworks held at the city owned airport. The club did this in the spirit of patriotism and for all our citizens to enjoy for free. I will miss it this year as I am down here.

Someday, I would hope a local group could do the same here in the Villages. The cost of freedom is not free.
Too expensive for The Developer? :oops:

I'm sure a few bucks could be found to do this once a year...whereby so many could enjoy it.

Just one idea is how about rotating (1 a week) and going 'dark' (on say Monday's)...with the live music at one of the squares?

Or maybe cutting back on the 2-3 flower plantings a year...on a couple of medians?

Or?????

And if The Developer is that broke, I for one, would be willing to donate an extra $5 a year to help out...to see a moderate fireworks display on Lake Sumpter (oops, I did it again :D). :thumbup:

[graciegirl]

The developer has made a lot of wise decisions in my opinion. I bet that the preponderance of Villagers don't want to have fireworks here in TV. We have seen a lot of fireworks in our lifetimes.

And I repeat;

If everyone gets their little hearts desire than the charges will go up. That is the bottom line.

I like it the way it is. Love the flowers. Like EVERYTHING.

If we want to see fireworks on the fourth of July here in The Villages, all we need do is stand in our driveways and look in any direction. Or drive to a nearby community.

[ColdNoMore]

Thanks Mods! :thumbup:

[ColdNoMore]

Just a quick poll, not that it will make any difference of course, on whether residents would like to see a fireworks display...on the 4th of July at Lake Sumter.

[golf2140]

In my past life I had to provide security for a fireworks display. The overtime costs were crazy, the parking issues drove everyone nuts and the drunks just wanted to act like A-Holes. There is not an area in The Villages that can handle fireworks. It's not the families issue.

[ColdNoMore]

In my past life I had to provide security for a fireworks display. The overtime costs were crazy, the parking issues drove everyone nuts and the drunks just wanted to act like A-Holes. There is not an area in The Villages that can handle fireworks. It's not the families issue.

I would presume then, that you're against other 'special events' whereby speaker's/rally's have occurred here...due to those same issues?

[JoMar]

Another issue with Fireworks is that they could not be limited to Villagers, but would be open to public. That could bring lots of folks that don't really care about this place.. If I want to see Fireworks I will go to Leesburg...their display has been fun in the past. I personally don't want to see Fireworks anywhere in The Villages. I also find it interesting that when ever something doesn't meet individual expectations they blame the Developer.

[ColdNoMore]

Another issue with Fireworks is that they could not be limited to Villagers, but would be open to public. That could bring lots of folks that don't really care about this place.. If I want to see Fireworks I will go to Leesburg...their display has been fun in the past. I personally don't want to see Fireworks anywhere in The Villages.

I also find it interesting that when ever something doesn't meet individual expectations they blame the Developer.

I find it interesting that you see some kind of "blame" here. :oops:

It's simply expressing an 'opinion/wish' for something... of which you're also (obviously) entitled. :shrug:

And wouldn't a fireworks display on Lake Sumter...have to be approved by The Developer?

Just as when they have other special events/rally's in the squares? :confused:

If I'm wrong (entirely possible), from whom/what would the permission...need to be granted?

[ColdNoMore]

Snip>I bet that the preponderance of Villagers don't want to have fireworks here in TV. We have seen a lot of fireworks in our lifetimes.<Snip


Fireworks Poll Here (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/independence-day-fireworks-lake-sumter-266841/)

[BobnBev]

I find it interesting that you see some kind of "blame" here. :oops:

It's simply expressing an 'opinion/wish' for something... of which you're also (obviously) entitled. :shrug:

And wouldn't a fireworks display on Lake Sumter...have to be approved by The Developer?

Just as when they have other special events/rally's in the squares? :confused:

If I'm wrong (entirely possible), from whom/what would the permission...need to be granted?

Permission: 1. State Fire Marshal. 2. Sumter County fire officials. 3. Villages Public Safety Department. 4. USCG.

[BobnBev]

In my past life I had to provide security for a fireworks display. The overtime costs were crazy, the parking issues drove everyone nuts and the drunks just wanted to act like A-Holes. There is not an area in The Villages that can handle fireworks. It's not the families issue.

I did the same, only on the water....never again.

[ColdNoMore]

Permission: 1. State Fire Marshal. 2. Sumter County fire officials. 3. Villages Public Safety Department. 4. USCG.
Of which, the first three also are involved with the special events/rally's...which have never been a problem.

If The Developer really wanted to do fireworks...the last (USCG) would be rubber-stamped like the others.

So it still boils down to what The Developer wants, or technically I suppose the LSL VCDD...which IS The Developer.

[Chi-Town]

Fireworks would be great. A parade in the morning would complete the Fourths that we all remember.

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[Wiotte]

Birdcage screening isn’t fireproof against an errant rocket.


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[graciegirl]

No. But I don't like the wording of any of the no choices.

[aninjamom]

I was very surprised to discover that The Villages has no events for the 4th, with all of the activities we seem to have for other holidays.

[Marathon Man]

Where in The Villages could 20,000+ people gather together. Certainly not around the lake. One side is a golf course, the other side is mostly businesses.

TOTV would burst into flames the next morning with posts about outsiders, seat saving, and bad parking.

[skip0358]

Nice but a total logistical nightmare. Look what happens with people trying to get into the Polo fields. Now your going to try Fire Works on Sumter Lake. I've gone to Leesburg to see them that was horrible traffic, now we do Tavares party in the daytime watch a GREAT Fireworks display spend the night at the hotel have Breakfast and come home. Very enjoyable. About 20 of us going this year.

[Taltarzac725]

Fireworks are way too upsetting for all the beloved pets here in the Villages.

[Challenger]

Be careful what you wish for ,you may get it. Not a good idea for TV . (MHO)

[asianthree]

Think of those who deal with PTSD. Fireworks can trigger a multitude of issues. Protect our veterans, in some states there are laws about fireworks and PTSD. It’s. NO for us

[Bogie Shooter]

Be careful what you wish for ,you may get it. Not a good idea for TV . (MHO)

In this case probably not...…………….

[VApeople]

Instead of having our own fireworks so we can stay in the 'bubble', how about venturing out to one of neighboring towns like Wildwood or Leesburg so we can be a pat of our greater community?

[tophcfa]

No fireworks, after about the first 50 shows I have seen during my life, they are all the same. They scare dogs with sensitive ears, pollute the air (and water if shot off by the lake), and cost $$. I would much rather see the money spent to keep the recreation news insert continue on a weekly basis in the daily sun.

[twoplanekid]

From what I am hearing from the naysayers, it shouldn’t be allowed here so go to another community that has made a mistake and allows free fireworks. Some very interesting views are being voiced by the over 55 club. I will ask my Vietnam Veterans group about PTSD and fireworks. :D

[billethkid]

Keep in mind the voters represents a very small percentage of this forum which in turn represents an even smaller, infinitesimal, percentage of TV.

And while the poll is aimed mostly at residents, those residents represent an aged/aging part of the population,
that very definitely affects the response(s).

[graciegirl]

From what I am hearing from the naysayers, it shouldn’t be allowed here so go to another community that has made a mistake and allows free fireworks. Some very interesting views are being voiced by the over 55 club. I will ask my Vietnam Veterans group about PTSD and fireworks. :D

I would like to tell you this. My flag is flying, as will be many in this patriotic community. I have seen many fireworks displays surrounded by friends and holding my youngest in my arms and many, many more as life passed. I stand when the flag goes by with my hand over my heart. I was a Girl Scout and a Girl scout leader and mother of TWO Girl Scout leaders and a student and teacher that said the pledge to the flag every day in the classrom. I love to shake the hands of the villagers who wear their caps showing they served. I understand that you have wonderful memories of firework displays in Urbana, Ohio and I honor your patriotism.


There isn't a place anywhere in The Villages that would hold the crowd that would come. That in itself is amazing and wonderful.

On Wednesday, you can stand on the boardwalk at Lake Sumter and look in any direction and see fireworks. I will be sitting on my front porch watching them too.

I do not want this place run by capricious votes. I like the way it is now.

[Chi-Town]

Chicago had their fireworks on July 3rd with a million+ people in attendance. Sure it was crowded but people enjoyed the event and night out. The outlying suburbs had their own show on the 4th, and you could actually see fireworks everywhere while sitting on your patio. Fireworks are synonymous with the Fourth Of July.

I'll be sitting on the beach watching them at Sanibel and Ft. Myers Beach. Would much prefer to stay in my home town here enjoying the festivities.


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[perrjojo]

I would love fire works but as others have said, it would be a logistical nightmare. The poll should have a choice of NO...other reasons.

[NotGolfer]

Think of those who deal with PTSD. Fireworks can trigger a multitude of issues. Protect our veterans, in some states there are laws about fireworks and PTSD. It’s. NO for us

Instead of having our own fireworks so we can stay in the 'bubble', how about venturing out to one of neighboring towns like Wildwood or Leesburg so we can be a pat of our greater community?

No fireworks, after about the first 50 shows I have seen during my life, they are all the same. They scare dogs with sensitive ears, pollute the air (and water if shot off by the lake), and cost $$. I would much rather see the money spent to keep the recreation news insert continue on a weekly basis in the daily sun.

I would like to tell you this. My flag is flying, as will be many in this patriotic community. I have seen many fireworks displays surrounded by friends and holding my youngest in my arms and many, many more as life passed. I stand when the flag goes by with my hand over my heart. I was a Girl Scout and a Girl scout leader and mother of TWO Girl Scout leaders and a student and teacher that said the pledge to the flag every day in the classrom. I love to shake the hands of the villagers who wear their caps showing they served. I understand that you have wonderful memories of firework displays in Urbana, Ohio and I honor your patriotism.


There isn't a place anywhere in The Villages that would hold the crowd that would come. That in itself is amazing and wonderful.

On Wednesday, you can stand on the boardwalk at Lake Sumter and look in any direction and see fireworks. I will be sitting on my front porch watching them too.

I do not want this place run by capricious votes. I like the way it is now.

I agree with ALL of these folks! The Villages is highly patriotic, year round. If you feel the need to see the fireworks---you can go either to Leesburg or Wildwood. You can even find a higher point here (in your golf cart) and view them from afar.

[LuannBlue]

Were do you found a high enough point in the Villages to view fireworks in Leesburg?

[LuannBlue]

They make ear plugs for dogs and people. They work great, and don’t cost that much, use them on our Chihuahua with large mortars going off. She goes outside in the heat of 4th of July noise and ignores the noise and the flashes. So saying it’s bad for pets and vet is not that great of a excuse. They make noise canceling headset for watching TV. Again no excuse to letting there be fireworks in the Villages. We live next door to a family who’s daughter has Down syndrome and doesn’t like fireworks so they plan a night of popcorn and movies. She wears the noise canceling headset and does great because she doesn’t hear the bangs.

[graciegirl]

We’re have you found a high enough point in the Villages to view fireworks in Leesburg?

There is a hill in Hadley...and the green grass grows all around all around. I digress.

Hadley has a hill and Hemmingway golf course has an area off Havana trail that you can see fireworks and space shots, but don't TELL anyone or there will be no space for YOU.

Happy Fourth Luann red white and blue.

PLUS just about any driveway gives you bright bursts of fireworks over the tops of homes while you remember your children and grandchildren's eyes watching them on the fourth and the folks who served our country and think how lucky we are to live in this wonderful place with all it's patriotic citizens......and then it gets blurry.

[Kahuna32162]

Lots going on in each square on the 4th.

[Chi-Town]

Were do you found a high enough point in the Villages to view fireworks in Leesburg?I'm gonna guess here:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180701/591674e37b01f8650c9143bed565e23c.jpg

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[ColdNoMore]

From what I am hearing from the naysayers, it shouldn’t be allowed here so go to another community that has made a mistake and allows free fireworks. Some very interesting views are being voiced by the over 55 club. I will ask my Vietnam Veterans group about PTSD and fireworks. :D

Yep. :oops:

[joldnol]

Were do you found a high enough point in the Villages to view fireworks in Leesburg?

Drive down 44, just before 27 the road starts going downhill. pull off and park....great view and easy exit.....oops gave away my secret. wildwood is suppose to have fireworks at the community center right opposite the sweetgum golf course.

[Abby10]

Lots going on in each square on the 4th.

Good point. Who needs fireworks when you have Scooter?!? :)

[thomp679]

Lots going on in each square on the 4th.

That's not really a lot. Its a lot of repeat. And IMO not the best representation of The Villages, but rather corny. BTW, what do Scottish Bagpipers have to do with the 4th of July?? :rolleyes:

[Chi-Town]

Leftover credit from Tartan Day. That's not really a lot. Its a lot of repeat. And IMO not the best representation of The Villages, but rather corny. BTW, what do Scottish Bagpipers have to do with the 4th of July?? :rolleyes:

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[Kenswing]

That's not really a lot. Its a lot of repeat. And IMO not the best representation of The Villages, but rather corny. BTW, what do Scottish Bagpipers have to do with the 4th of July?? :rolleyes:http://plheineman.net/Bagpipes%20in%20the%20Am%20Rev.pdf

In the American Revolution the bagpipe and the kilt were present on both sides. In addition to the five British Army and at least two Loyalist Highland regiments, the Continental Army had its share of Scots with their pipes. General Lachlan MacKintosh's Georgia Brigade of the Line was largely kilted, particularly the 2nd Georgia, and of course marched to the pipes. Most of North Carolina troops at Cowpens and King Mountain were also Scots, and their pipers accompanied them. The blue Kilmarnock bonnet was as popular among the troops as the three-cornered hat - at the Battle of Saratoga, almost the entire Northern Army wore it. The pipes were there as well as they have been in every major battle since.

[thomp679]

Thanks Kenwings. One can learn something new everyday.

[Kenswing]

Thanks Kenwings. One can learn something new everyday.
No problem. I would have never guessed it either except I remembered from a history class they taught in bootcamp.. That was in 1981.. Surprised I can remember that far back.. lol

[bilcon]

SERIOUSLY? PUT YOUR PETS IN THE BASEMENT. WOOPS, WE DON'T HAVE THEM HERE. WHAT IS 4th OF JULY WITHOUT FIREWORKS, PICNICS, PARADES.OH WELL, IT'S TV.

[DonH57]

I'm gonna guess here:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180701/591674e37b01f8650c9143bed565e23c.jpg

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I agree. That's the spot but difficult enough climbing sober , let alone if you're half in the bag

[raynan]

I don't think there would ever be fireworks in The Villages. Can you just imagine the parking nightmare?

[ColdNoMore]

I don't think there would ever be fireworks in The Villages. Can you just imagine the parking nightmare?

I think there's a lot more parking than some people think.

Most residents would probably drive their carts and could park all along the 466 trail, Buena Vista trail...and even at the Polo Grounds and still see them.

Given that some naysayers are saying they can watch fireworks in surrounding towns "from their porch," I can think of a plethora of locations to park in TV...and still be able to see them over the lake.

And those driving cars, have the Winn Dixie, LSL lots and that entire area in front of the book store...all the way over to Sonny's.

I'm also betting that should some popular speaker show up for a rally, that those same people complaining about logistics for fireworks...would all of a sudden become totally mute. :ohdear:

[ColdNoMore]

for all of the faux patriotism here I'm truly shocked the developer doesn't foot the bill.

The ultimate irony (hypocrisy?) being, that if The Developer did put on and pay for a fireworks display, there would be a whole lot of people poo-pooing it now, that would be publicly praising The Developer... for such a great & wonderful idea. :oops:


Simply amazing. :ohdear:

[Chi-Town]

I agree. That's the spot but difficult enough climbing sober , let alone if you're half in the bagI'd have to be all in the bag.

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[mulligan]

Keep in mind, they have to pay time and a half to staff on holidays. You'll see as little activity as possible.

[retiredguy123]

Unless you are a kid seeing them for the first time, "boring" is the perfect word to describe fireworks.

[graciegirl]

The ultimate irony (hypocrisy?) being, that if The Developer did put on and pay for a fireworks display, there would be a whole lot of people poo-pooing it now, that would be publicly praising The Developer... for such a great & wonderful idea. :oops:


Simply amazing. :ohdear:

I think that the developer deserves this kind of positive response. They have done a good job. This place is well thought out and beautiful and fun to live in.

I am guessing we don't have fireworks only because there is no place that would hold that many people. I see evidence that the Morse family is very patriotic.

There were lines of cars turned away from the recent balloon fest. No room at Christmas tree lighting. I don't mind. I have been to all of those events. I don't need to see them again to be happy here.

[TOMCAT]

I am planning to move to the Villages and one of the reasons is the quietness on July 4th. My dog does not like the loud noises that fireworks bring.

[blueeagle65]

NO! Out of respect to the many vets residing in TV. Also it affects many pets adversely. Go elsewhere or watch on television.

[circletrack]

I think there's a lot more parking than some people think.

Most residents would probably drive their carts and could park all along the 466 trail, Buena Vista trail...and even at the Polo Grounds and still see them.

Given that some naysayers are saying they can watch fireworks in surrounding towns "from their porch," I can think of a plethora of locations to park in TV...and still be able to see them over the lake.

And those driving cars, have the Winn Dixie, LSL lots and that entire area in front of the book store...all the way over to Sonny's.

I'm also betting that should some popular speaker show up for a rally, that those same people complaining about logistics for fireworks...would all of a sudden become totally mute. :ohdear:

There’s TONS of parking, the problem is, everyone wants a front-row spot, so every time they go to a big event in TV they are outraged at the “lack of parking” when there’s plenty to go around. You just have to walk a little.

[Bogie Shooter]

Keep in mind, they have to pay time and a half to staff on holidays. You'll see as little activity as possible.

Maybe the staff will enjoy the Holiday too...…………………..

[Bogie Shooter]

Keep in mind the voters represents a very small percentage of this forum which in turn represents an even smaller, infinitesimal, percentage of TV.

And while the poll is aimed mostly at residents, those residents represent an aged/aging part of the population,
that very definitely affects the response(s).

Interesting…….
1741 thread views,,,110 poll votes

[New Englander]

I’ve done an unscientific survey in our neighborhood. None of the stick it in the lawn tiny flag neighbors are veterans. Conversely, the veterans don’t stick tiny flags in their lawns.


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I have two small flags I put on my lawn yesterday. I am very patriotic and served four years in the USAF from 69/73.

[JGVillages]

Too many homes on Lake Sumter with pets. This can be very traumatic for household pets. Better to have in a location not so close to residences. Wait a few years when The Villages has expanded to Orlando. You’ll be able to drive your golf cart to Disney and watch theirs.

[ColdNoMore]

Keep in mind the voters represents a very small percentage of this forum which in turn represents an even smaller, infinitesimal, percentage of TV.

And while the poll is aimed mostly at residents, those residents represent an aged/aging part of the population,
that very definitely affects the response(s).

Umm, by definition in this type of situation...that's what 'POLL' means. :oops:

Poll Definition(Poke Here) (http://dictionary.com/browse/poll)
a sampling or collection of opinions on a subject, taken from either a selected or a random group of persons, as for the purpose of analysis.

As it stands right now, and in spite of those who said they would bet that people here wouldn't want to see a fireworks display...it looks to me like the 'preponderance' (+-65% to 35%) of those voting...would like to see one. :ho:

I personally find it interesting, that in spite of almost twice as many people voting for a fireworks display, the overwhelming majority making actual posts...are against it. :confused:

Maybe the old saw of the "Silent Majority" ...is at work here? :shrug:

[ColdNoMore]

There’s TONS of parking, the problem is, everyone wants a front-row spot, so every time they go to a big event in TV they are outraged at the “lack of parking” when there’s plenty to go around. You just have to walk a little.

YEP! :thumbup:

[ColdNoMore]

I personally find it interesting, that in spite of almost twice as many people voting for a fireworks display, the overwhelming majority making actual posts...are against it. :confused:

Maybe the old saw of the "Silent Majority" ...is at work here?

As it stands right now, and in spite of those who said they would bet that people here wouldn't want to see a fireworks display...it looks to me like the 'preponderance' (+-65% to 35%) of those voting...would like to see one. :ho:

To emphasize this point, my quick (and admittedly unscientific) analysis indicates that for those members who have made posts so far (disregarding multiple posts by the same person) in this thread against fireworks, outnumber those posts for a fireworks display...by about 23 to 9 against.

And yet, the actual poll...shows just the opposite. :oops:

Pretty eye-opening IMHO. :ohdear:

[joldnol]

The fireworks in Wildwood were great

[Challenger]

This poll is badly flawed, as are most. When you add qualifying statements after Yes or No, your are influencing the outcome badly. I am a No , but not for any of the reasons shown . Almost totally invalid results.

Try again --Yes or No

[EdFNJ]

Interesting…….

1741 thread views,,,110 poll votes



That's 117 people who have looked at the thread 15.827 times each (on average of course) / the number of days it has been posted. [emoji3]. Makes sense.

[thetruth]

Imagine if the INMATES were running this place.

[billethkid]

Imagine if the INMATES were running this place.

Let's hope that nightmare NEVER-EVER happens.
It would be the end of the place most of us live in and love.

[ColdNoMore]

As of right now, 69% of voter's in this poll say YES that they would like to see fireworks...31% say NO.

No question that the preponderance of voters...are voting YES. :ho:

And regardless of whether your reason for either a yes or no vote is listed (of which that list could/would be huge :oops:), you can still state why you voted the way you did...by simply stating so in a post. :shrug:

[Bogie Shooter]

Imagine if the INMATES were running this place.

Let's hope that nightmare NEVER-EVER happens.
It would be the end of the place most of us live in and love.

Right now we are electing District Supervisors, I think they are doing a credible job.

[Roy Fielding]

Have local businesses sponsor if it was logisticaly possible

[graciegirl]

Have local businesses sponsor if it was logisticaly possible

Welcome to the forum Roy. Fireworks and insurance for fireworks isn't cheap. See here.

Cost of a Fireworks Display - Reader Comments and Prices Paid - CostHelper.com (http://activities.costhelper.com/fireworks.html)

[ColdNoMore]

As I post, it's now 69.92%...YES! :thumbup: