Golf Cart Sneaking into The Villages

[My Daily Run]

I drive down Morse Blvd to 44 on a pretty regular basis and I've noticed a golf cart driving through the woods and coming out at the Soaring Eagle parking lot. I didn't think too much about it till I started seeing it on a regular basis. I drove to the far left corner of the parking lot yesterday and you can see the tire tracks. I think they are coming in from the trailer park on the other side. Interesting to see how many will follow.

[karostay]

Developer needs to build a wall

[Taltarzac725]

Wonder where the driver is going? Not sure it matters unless the golf carters are taking advantage of Villagers' Amenity Fees. Like sneaking into a Villages' pool.

[Arlington2]

Likely they are using their golf cart to go to Publix at Lake Deaton Plaza as there is not much else in the area. Probably not worth getting terribly upset over.

[Polar Bear]

How can you sneak into somewhere that doesn't prohibit you entering? :)

[champion6]

I drive down Morse Blvd to 44 on a pretty regular basis and I've noticed a golf cart driving through the woods and coming out at the Soaring Eagle parking lot. I didn't think too much about it till I started seeing it on a regular basis. I drove to the far left corner of the parking lot yesterday and you can see the tire tracks. I think they are coming in from the trailer park on the other side. Interesting to see how many will follow.The District Property Management Department is responsible for upholding the aesthetic, physical and environmental assets of the District by maintaining the District’s physical assets and infrastructure.

Please call them and report this -- 352-753-4022

[tophcfa]

How can you sneak into somewhere that doesn't prohibit you entering? :)

Actually, I believe the developers have attempted to keep non-villagers golf carts from entering. This is evident by the resident card access only golf cart gate in the Historic District. Obviously, non-villagers are not prohibited from entering by car, motorcycle, bicycle, walking, or a street legal golf cart. However, I do not believe street legal golf carts are supposed to use the multi-modal paths.

[bbbbbb]

[QUOTE=Polar Bear;1576846]How can you sneak into somewhere that doesn't prohib

Well it seems the gates at many points have a little red knob on the box. We know of two persons who come in regularly, press the button and then use the swimming pools, the pool tables, etc. If you go to other 55 communities, since we have friends living in them, you will find some are really genuine, GATED communities. I used to walk at night in our area, had to quit that due to the cars cruising in, pushing the button, driving slowly round, a bit scary for a Gated, (not really) community. Some call this "window dressing" while we pay for a GATED ?? community. We visit at two different Gated Communities, at the gates, we have to show our driver's license, in one of them, the attendant at the Real Gate, calls ahead to verify where we are invited. No BS.

:MOJE_whot: :MOJE_whot:

[NotGolfer]

[QUOTE=Polar Bear;1576846]How can you sneak into somewhere that doesn't prohib

Well it seems the gates at many points have a little red knob on the box. We know of two persons who come in regularly, press the button and then use the swimming pools, the pool tables, etc. If you go to other 55 communities, since we have friends living in them, you will find some are really genuine, GATED communities. I used to walk at night in our area, had to quit that due to the cars cruising in, pushing the button, driving slowly round, a bit scary for a Gated, (not really) community. Some call this "window dressing" while we pay for a GATED ?? community. We visit at two different Gated Communities, at the gates, we have to show our driver's license, in one of them, the attendant at the Real Gate, calls ahead to verify where we are invited. No BS.

:MOJE_whot: :MOJE_whot:

It's a misnomer that we're a "gated" community. The gates are placed to control the traffic just as there are round-abouts for that. The gate-house keepers are there to answer questions and give directions.

[TomOB]

The Villages isn't a gated community, it is a community with gates. Many gates don't have attendants, just the card or red button.

[427dave]

We are a community with gates, not a gated community. Marion county tried making the gates without attendant use only your card. That caused a major traffic jam at each of these gates as once the people pulled into the gate and they could not open the gate traffic just backed up as there was no place for that vehicle to go. Then you had people with their card getting out of their car and walking up to open the gate so that car could get out of the way. Then the traffic was backed up into the traffic circle. That idea did not last long and the red buttons were put back into operation.

[EdFNJ]

However, I do not believe street legal golf carts are supposed to use the multi-modal paths.

That is not correct. I don't believe there are any "official" rules either way but the only mechanical difference between a street legal vs off-road is that it's MAX legal speed is 25 vs 20 and SL now must have wipers, turn signals, seat belts and a few other safety features. Recent law changes (wipers etc) have made it difficult for most gcs to become SL.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[coffeebean]

How can you sneak into somewhere that doesn't prohibit you entering? :)

Villagers pay to maintain the MMPs with our amenity fees. Non villagers who sneek into the community through the woods don't pay to maintain the MMPs. Right?

[tophcfa]

Villagers pay to maintain the MMPs with our amenity fees. Non villagers who sneek into the community through the woods don't pay to maintain the MMPs. Right?

That is correct, that is why a resident entry card only gate was put in on the golf cart entrance in the historic district. The gate has no little red button to open the gate. Non Villager gate lurkers wait by the gait and try to follow Villagers through the gate.

[ColdNoMore]

In all honesty, does it really matter if a minuscule number of non-TV'ers...are driving their golf carts here? :oops:


Have we really come to this? :ohdear:


What about when they're on county maintained roads...of which their taxes pay for also?

[Nucky]

Are the rules and guidelines of The Villages now on a Swivel? If they don't belong here maybe Community Standards should be alerted about the leak?

[Topspinmo]

That is not correct. I don't believe there are any "official" rules either way but the only mechanical difference between a street legal vs off-road is that it's MAX legal speed is 25 vs 20 and SL now must have wipers, turn signals, seat belts and a few other safety features. Recent law changes (wipers etc) have made it difficult for most gcs to become SL.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don't think wipers are requirements. There also supposed to be reflective device on the rear that I never see? Any cart with lights, turn signals, and seat belts can be licensed and speed cranked up to 35 plus (nobody going spend the money to just go 5 mph faster) Which is why anybody wants street legal to speed down BV MMP, or MB above 25 MPH. IMO any cart that goes more than 20 MPH should be allowed in MMP. I have yet seen LSV going 25 down BV etc.. they are going at least 30 plus.

[EdFNJ]

I just went through it and was told wipers and a few other new things are now required. I have an Atomic Coupe so I had no problems. I agree on speed but I didn't go S.L. just for speed.
Unfortunately **if** you get stopped on the road going over 25 you are no longer considered an LSV but are now driving an illegal CAR and you are supposed to have all the safety features of a real car (airbags, DOT approval etc).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Polar Bear]

Villagers pay to maintain the MMPs with our amenity fees. Non villagers who sneek into the community through the woods don't pay to maintain the MMPs. Right?
Everything you said is true...except for the "sneek" part...heheh. Still doesn't mean outsiders are prohibited from entering TV using golf carts.

Right?

Look...I'm actually just trying to have a little fun with this thread. A large part of TV economic input comes from non-Villagers. And basically nobody cares how they get here. And they aren't breaking any laws or rules by coming here, either via automobile or by cart. Of course we support maintenance of TV facilities with our Amenities Fees. But equating that with saying "outsiders" are not allowed to use the facilities is simply wrong, and goes against one of the driving principles which makes TV work.

Example: Do you think the town squares would be sustainable if everybody there had to display a TV resident ID to have access?

[dewilson58]

Trailer your golf cart to TV and enjoy miles and miles of golf cart riding.

:shocked:

[twoplanekid]

In all honesty, does it really matter if a minuscule number of non-TV'ers...are driving their golf carts here? :oops:


Have we really come to this? :ohdear:


What about when they're on county maintained roads...of which their taxes pay for also?

The New Covenant United Methodist Church being built off of 44A at the edge of Lake Deaton was required to erect a fence along their golf cart parking area so that no outsiders using golf carts could have easy access to the connected Village multi-modal path. The powers that be do not want easy golf cart access to any Village multi-modal paths by non-Villagers. Multi-modal paths are maintained by Village monies and are not public roads.

[bobthegolfer]

When my daughter visits, she goes to the Chatham Pool every day. She is asked to show her guest pass, every day. I think we're getting more and more "non residents" in The Villages who are not here enjoying the Squares. I was up at 3:30 one morning last week. I usually venture into the Den and look out the window at nothing until I get tired enough to go back to sleep. We live in a Premier neighborhood, so we have huge street lights. I was surprised to see a Golf cart going around the neighborhood, more than once. Then a small Pickup Truck went around and around. Pretty soon they met at our corner, stopped and talked for a few minutes and the Golf Cart turned around and followed the Truck out of the neighborhood. Our neighborhood only has one entrance. I first thought they were delivering papers, but no, they were not. So, what were they doing at 3:30 am? I was about to call Neighborhood Watch when they left. Wish I had done it earlier!

[Rango]

When my daughter visits, she goes to the Chatham Pool every day. She is asked to show her guest pass, every day. I think we're getting more and more "non residents" in The Villages who are not here enjoying the Squares. I was up at 3:30 one morning last week. I usually venture into the Den and look out the window at nothing until I get tired enough to go back to sleep. We live in a Premier neighborhood, so we have huge street lights. I was surprised to see a Golf cart going around the neighborhood, more than once. Then a small Pickup Truck went around and around. Pretty soon they met at our corner, stopped and talked for a few minutes and the Golf Cart turned around and followed the Truck out of the neighborhood. Our neighborhood only has one entrance. I first thought they were delivering papers, but no, they were not. So, what were they doing at 3:30 am? I was about to call Neighborhood Watch when they left. Wish I had done it earlier!

You should call the Police. Neighborhood watch can't do anything.

[Arctic Fox]

We have been using the sports pools for eight years and only once have we been asked for our ID - and that time we were just showing a visitor the facilities; not using them. However, at our neighborhood pool we are asked for IDs about 50% of the time. Maybe those facilities nearer the edge of the development have more stringent controls?

[DonH57]

Trailer your golf cart to TV and enjoy miles and miles of golf cart riding.

:shocked:

Yep ! Could do easily.

[golf2140]

Years ago this was a gated community. The county folks that were in charge did not like The Villages, only the tax money they squandered. They are the ones that stopped us from being a gated community. One Sumter was voted on and now that group is long gone and are tax's keep going down.

[kcrazorbackfan]

How can you sneak into somewhere that doesn't prohibit you entering? :)

But, but, aren't we a gated community? :boom: Darn, no sarcasm emoji...……..

[tophcfa]

Trailer your golf cart to TV and enjoy miles and miles of golf cart riding.

:shocked:

But where would you leave the trailer?

[mtdjed]

The New Covenant United Methodist Church being built off of 44A at the edge of Lake Deaton was required to erect a fence along their golf cart parking area so that no outsiders using golf carts could have easy access to the connected Village multi-modal path. The powers that be do not want easy golf cart access to any Village multi-modal paths by non-Villagers. Multi-modal paths are maintained by Village monies and are not public roads.
Maybe TV can get outsiders to build the wall!

[twoplanekid]

Maybe TV can get outsiders to build the wall!

They can and the church did build a fence. Must follow TV rules if you want to build and use the multi-modal paths for access to your building.

[CWGUY]

But, but, aren't we a gated community? :boom: Darn, no sarcasm emoji...……..

:rolleyes: Sure there is!

But it is amazing that people don't know if they live in a gated community or not.

[pauld315]

But where would you leave the trailer?

In the Publix parking lot on 441 near Spanish Springs Done all the time

[ditka41]

Potential violators of our "security" will certainly appreciate all these tips about how to enter and use our amenities. Great idea, please remember to complain as the problem increases due to these responses.

[Polar Bear]

Potential violators of our "security" will certainly appreciate all these tips about how to enter and use our amenities. Great idea, please remember to complain as the problem increases due to these responses.
Be sure to ask all our town square business owners if they consider non-Villagers entering and using our facilities...legally of course...to be a "problem".

[graciegirl]

Be sure to ask all our town square business owners if they consider non-Villagers entering and using our facilities...legally of course...to be a "problem".

Great for them, crowded-er for our golf cart paths. Not for it. I like the golf carts that belong to us who live here and are 55 or better, and wouldn't give you a dime for a bunch of smart aleck outlanders with the idea to drag race.

[Polar Bear]

Great for them, crowded-er for our golf cart paths. Not for it. I like the golf carts that belong to us who live here and are 55 or better, and wouldn't give you a dime for a bunch of smart aleck outlanders with the idea to drag race.
Heheh. I'm not for rampant use of our MMPs by 'outsiders' either. I just like to have a little fun with those few who some seem to think anybody who doesn't live in TV simply doesn't belong here at all. :)

[DonH57]

I don't believe many people would go to the expense of buying a golf cart and trailer to the villages to shop or eat when most would come by car. I don't suspect a lot of "outsiders" are sneaking into the pools, courses, and recreation centers without an ID. Even though I'm sure there may be a couple.

[ColdNoMore]

Heheh. I'm not for rampant use of our MMPs by 'outsiders' either. I just like to have a little fun with those few who some seem to think anybody who doesn't live in TV simply doesn't belong here at all. :)

Actually, based on posts here I would posit that...it's more than "those few." :oops:

Since there is absolutely no empirical evidence that a minuscule number (.01%?) of 'outsiders' are doing any damage to the MMP's, which is the only concern an intelligent/unbiased person could use as an argument given the rest of the roads are maintained by the county and are public anyway...it's obvious that it really boils down to a different agenda.

And since so many gates are not in a location to regulate golf cart/highway interfaces, the real reason...is patently an 'Us Vs. Them' issue.

Which is a microcosm of a much, much...larger problem. :ohdear:

I chuckle at the thought of the 'Us Only' crowd's reaction were the counties to build gates on other county roads, that while they could still be traversed (as the public roads they are)...would require stopping and pushing a button. :D

:popcorn:

[ColdNoMore]

Years ago this was a gated community. The county folks that were in charge did not like The Villages, only the tax money they squandered. They are the ones that stopped us from being a gated community. One Sumter was voted on and now that group is long gone and are tax's keep going down.

Really?

My research has indicated that the problems/issues occurred once Da Family sold the maintenance to the counties and their point (legitimately) was that if in fact they are county roads and public, that it would be silly to try and pass out enough gate cards to all of the LEO's/emergency services/fire trucks/Etc....that needed access.

I challenge anyone to show where other county maintained roads have gates installed...to give home owners a faux feeling of living in a 'gated community.'

Ya can't have your cake...and eat it too. :shrug:

[bob47]

Years ago this was a gated community. The county folks that were in charge did not like The Villages, only the tax money they squandered. They are the ones that stopped us from being a gated community. One Sumter was voted on and now that group is long gone and are tax's keep going down.

This couldn't be farther from the truth. The use of pushbuttons on the gates to allow non-residents access to country roads is based on AGO 90-51, an advisory legal opinion by Florida attorney general Robert A. Butterworth in July of 1990. Google it if you need more information.

[graciegirl]

Actually, based on posts here I would posit that...it's more than "those few." :oops:

Since there is absolutely no empirical evidence that a minuscule number (.01%?) of 'outsiders' are doing any damage to the MMP's, which is the only concern an intelligent/unbiased person could use as an argument given the rest of the roads are maintained by the county and are public anyway...it's obvious that it really boils down to a different agenda.

And since so many gates are not in a location to regulate golf cart/highway interfaces, the real reason...is patently an 'Us Vs. Them' issue.

Which is a microcosm of a much, much...larger problem. :ohdear:

I chuckle at the thought of the 'Us Only' crowd's reaction were the counties to build gates on other county roads, that while they could still be traversed (as the public roads they are)...would require stopping and pushing a button. :D

:popcorn:

I don't think I am alone in welcoming all who want to come here and visit us and support our local business and enjoy all entertainment and dining in the squares and buy tickets for the Sharon.

I am very glad that there are no golf carts allowed in from other communities, not because they would damage the cart paths, but because we don't really need anymore than those owned by people who legitimately live here. I wouldn't encourage people who live in other communities to use our rec centers or pools either.

[justjim]

Really?

My research has indicated that the problems/issues occurred once Da Family sold the maintenance to the counties and their point (legitimately) was that if in fact they are county roads and public, that it would be silly to try and pass out enough gate cards to all of the LEO's/emergency services/fire trucks/Etc....that needed access.

I challenge anyone to show where other county maintained roads have gates installed...to give home owners a faux feeling of living in a 'gated community.'

Ya can't have your cake...and eat it too. :shrug:

The gates are here to help control traffic of cars (Slow them down at the gates) and help prevent crashes with golf carts. There are Threads with discussion regarding gates and if they should come down or be kept for safety reasons. The cost to repair the gates runs into thousands a year.

Usually The Villages has a fence (black) around the perimeter of the property. Perhaps it’s just an oversight in the area that OP speaks about near the ball diamonds.

[ColdNoMore]

The gates are here to help control traffic of cars (Slow them down at the gates) and help prevent crashes with golf carts. There are Threads with discussion regarding gates and if they should come down or be kept for safety reasons. The cost to repair the gates runs into thousands a year.

Usually The Villages has a fence (black) around the perimeter of the property. Perhaps it’s just an oversight in the area that OP speaks about near the ball diamonds.

The big problem with that explanation, is all of the neighborhood entrances where there are no cart paths going across (or they go across in front of the gates)...but there's still a gate there. :shrug:

Not to mention, that the gates only impede incoming traffic (thus allowing carts to scoot to the median in those areas)...not the outgoing traffic.

[manaboutown]

As I understand it the streets and roads within The Villages are public thoroughfares maintained by the county and/or state and/or the municipality (where applicable) in which they lie. Since taxpayer money funds their upkeep they are open to the public at large. In a true gated community the streets and roads are not open to the public and the community pays for their upkeep.

On the other hand aren't the multi modal paths on privately held property and maintained by the owning entity? If no easement exists which opens them to public use could non-Villages residents driving carts on them be considered trespassers?

There might be a liability issue as well when accidents occur. Even trespassers (if that is what they are) are owed a duty of care.

[Bigben007]

Yes it is a “us v them”. I live in the Villages and they don’t. “they” can use our shopping areas, restaurants all they want but I don’t want “them” to use our pools, pickle ball courts, and other amenities

[ColdNoMore]

Yes it is a “us v them”. I live in the Villages and they don’t. “they” can use our shopping areas, restaurants all they want but I don’t want “them” to use our pools, pickle ball courts, and other amenities

First of all, the "shopping areas/restaurants/etc."...are not "OURS." :oops:

They are public businesses and owned by companies that encourage and depend on use... by everyone.

Secondly, the thread has nothing to do with those trying to use the "amenities" you've mentioned that we actually pay for....as that is an entirely different subject.

[graciegirl]

Here is what I hope won't happen; Common use of an entry where youngsters could drive golf carts into The Villages from other developments and towns. Most kids are great, would just come to shop and sit or eat and listen to the music but there still are a few who would misuse the golf paths and tailgate and speed and race and other annoying things that kids sometimes like to do when unsupervised. Plus, we have puh-lent-y people using the paths in January, February and March and really do not need non residents. Also we do not need people who don't live here driving around at night with perhaps some not so great agenda. I may be paranoid, or I may be realistic.


golf cart accident in the villages florida - Bing images (https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=golf+cart+accident+in+the+villages+florid a&FORM=HDRSC2)

Also people do come in from other developments and try to join our classes in recreation centers. It happened to one of the classes I attended at Laurel Manor.


Some popular classes are full from Villagers, with waiting lists, especially during high season. Most centers check I.D. but some aren't diligent.

[ColdNoMore]

This couldn't be farther from the truth. The use of pushbuttons on the gates to allow non-residents access to country roads is based on AGO 90-51, an advisory legal opinion by Florida attorney general Robert A. Butterworth in July of 1990. Google it if you need more information.

It's refreshing, in this day and age, when someone provides actual facts...along with citations/proof. :thumbup:

Thank you. :ho:

Advisory Legal Opinion - Municipality/security gate across public road (http://www.myfloridalegal.com/ago.nsf/Opinions/13CD42FDBD5607188525624500639D7A)

[jpvillager]

There are no restriction to using Morse Blvd. North of 466 there are many village's streets with no gate. As mentioned previously, where there are gates, just push the red button to drive through. It is suppose to take your picture in the process.

[Chi33]

They are sneaking if they are crossing a road that is 35 mph or over. If not, they are welcome.

[Ooper]

There are no restriction to using Morse Blvd. North of 466 there are many village's streets with no gate. As mentioned previously, where there are gates, just push the red button to drive through. It is suppose to take your picture in the process.

Not entirely correct... you have to go through a gate to enter either end of Morse Blvd. north of CR.466. That is why there are many villages without gates in that area. This is not necessarily so south of CR.466.

[Barefoot]

First of all, the "shopping areas/restaurants/etc."...are not "OURS."
They are public businesses and owned by companies that encourage and depend on use... by everyone.
Secondly, the thread has nothing to do with those trying to use the "amenities" you've mentioned that we actually pay for....as that is an entirely different subject.
:agree:

[eweissenbach]

[QUOTE=bbbbbb;1576881]

It's a misnomer that we're a "gated" community. The gates are placed to control the traffic just as there are round-abouts for that. The gate-house keepers are there to answer questions and give directions.

The Villages isn't a gated community, it is a community with gates. Many gates don't have attendants, just the card or red button.

The developer wanted the counties to maintain the roads, so could not deny access to traffic. Thus the gates, which offer some measure of security since they are mostly monitored and have cameras.