Blasting locations

[BRN_RI_FL]

First of all this is not meant to be a negative post as we really love the Fenney/DeSoto/McClure area and we are seriously thinking of buying. The main reasons we are thinking of moving from Woodbury is for a bigger garage and the walking trails in the southern Villages. I walk a lot of miles and walking through tunnels and next to golf carts and cars and trucks can be dangerous.
The last thing on my checklist before we commit to buying is the location of the blasting. A facebook post claims that the blasting takes place in three places, at Dixie Lime, at a cement plant next door and in a third area which wasn’t clearly identified. My main concern is that third area if, in fact, that Facebook post is true. I also asked for details on Facebook but did not receive an answer. I’ve attached a google earth screenshot which shows what looks like a quarry just south of the Villages, a lot closer than Dixie or the cement plant which is in the bottom of the screenshot to the left. Does blasting take place here? Would it be the Wildwood Town offices that might have information? Presently in R.I. but should be arriving in the Villages a week from today. I should add that we’ve talked to quite a few people in Fenney/DeSoto/McClure and I haven’t heard from anyone who regretted their purchase. Still need to do my “due diligence” though.

[CWGUY]

From The Division of State Fire Marshall:

"It is a common practice for mining companies to use explosives as they extract sand and limestone from Florida soil. These materials are used to make construction components such as aggregates, sand, cement and roadbase materials. The use of explosives is governed by Florida law. Chapter 69A-2, Florida Administrative Code, provides the rules governing the use of explosives in the state.

To use explosives, a firm must have a permit issued by the Regulatory Licensing Section, Division of State Fire Marshal, Department of Financial Services. All blasting activities must be monitored by a seismologist.

Refer to the brochure, Blasting in Florida, for more information."


It's not "Facebook" but may be where you want to ask your questions. :boom: City of Wildwood and Sumter Co. also. :ho:

[graciegirl]

First of all this is not meant to be a negative post as we really love the Fenney/DeSoto/McClure area and we are seriously thinking of buying. The main reasons we are thinking of moving from Woodbury is for a bigger garage and the walking trails in the southern Villages. I walk a lot of miles and walking through tunnels and next to golf carts and cars and trucks can be dangerous.
The last thing on my checklist before we commit to buying is the location of the blasting. A facebook post claims that the blasting takes place in three places, at Dixie Lime, at a cement plant next door and in a third area which wasn’t clearly identified. My main concern is that third area if, in fact, that Facebook post is true. I also asked for details on Facebook but did not receive an answer. I’ve attached a google earth screenshot which shows what looks like a quarry just south of the Villages, a lot closer than Dixie or the cement plant which is in the bottom of the screenshot to the left. Does blasting take place here? Would it be the Wildwood Town offices that might have information? Presently in R.I. but should be arriving in the Villages a week from today. I should add that we’ve talked to quite a few people in Fenney/DeSoto/McClure and I haven’t heard from anyone who regretted their purchase. Still need to do my “due diligence” though.

Please use search in the toolbar above and find a number of threads that I suspect that at least some were started by disgruntled MLS realtors who are not allowed to sell new properties in The Villages and would like to discourage people from buying new properties. AND MAYBE I AM WRONG ABOUT THAT.

Anyway bruceynelson, there are many discussions and many assurances and many jokes and then there are some discussions about the Federal Prison being close too. Meanwhile a lot of nice folks are enjoying their lives in Fenney and the new Villages as they are built and filling in North of Fenney.

Good luck and happy hunting. It is my belief that it is hard to find an area of The Villages that isn't enjoyed by it's residents.

NO. I don't sell houses.

NO. I don't know the Morses.

Yes, I am so happy I live here.

Merry Christmas.

[vintageogauge]

The blasting is not strong enough to do any structural damage, it feels like someone jumped off of a bed in the upstairs of a two story home, that's it, and it lasts only a second or two. It has been quite awhile since we felt one, at least a month now. If you want to be a few miles further away consider building/buying in the newest section of Marsh Landing but don't let it scare you away from Fenney DeSoto, McClure, etc. it's not a big deal, I would be more concerned about living near the Turnpike. Every home being built down here will be sold, blasting or no blasting they are selling at a rapid pace and there are a heck of a lot of happy people living down here.

[BRN_RI_FL]

Please use search in the toolbar above and find a number of threads that I suspect that at least some were started by disgruntled MLS realtors who are not allowed to sell new properties in The Villages and would like to discourage people from buying new properties. AND MAYBE I AM WRONG ABOUT THAT.

Anyway bruceynelson, there are many discussions and many assurances and many jokes and then there are some discussions about the Federal Prison being close too. Meanwhile a lot of nice folks are enjoying their lives in Fenney and the new Villages as they are built and filling in North of Fenney.

Good luck and happy hunting. It is my belief that it is hard to find an area of The Villages that isn't enjoyed by it's residents.

NO. I don't sell houses.

NO. I don't know the Morses.

Yes, I am so happy I live here.

Merry Christmas.

I’ve done all the searches prior to my post but have not been able to find the information that I am looking for. Merry Christmas.

[Bogie Shooter]

First of all this is not meant to be a negative post as we really love the Fenney/DeSoto/McClure area and we are seriously thinking of buying. The main reasons we are thinking of moving from Woodbury is for a bigger garage and the walking trails in the southern Villages. I walk a lot of miles and walking through tunnels and next to golf carts and cars and trucks can be dangerous.
The last thing on my checklist before we commit to buying is the location of the blasting. A facebook post claims that the blasting takes place in three places, at Dixie Lime, at a cement plant next door and in a third area which wasn’t clearly identified. My main concern is that third area if, in fact, that Facebook post is true. I also asked for details on Facebook but did not receive an answer. I’ve attached a google earth screenshot which shows what looks like a quarry just south of the Villages, a lot closer than Dixie or the cement plant which is in the bottom of the screenshot to the left. Does blasting take place here? Would it be the Wildwood Town offices that might have information? Presently in R.I. but should be arriving in the Villages a week from today. I should add that we’ve talked to quite a few people in Fenney/DeSoto/McClure and I haven’t heard from anyone who regretted their purchase. Still need to do my “due diligence” though.

These folks may be able to help.
Contact Us
Sumter County Public Works

319 E. Anderson Ave.
Bushnell, FL 33513

Ph: 352-689-4400
Fx: 352-689-4401

Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

[BRN_RI_FL]

These folks may be able to help.
Contact Us
Sumter County Public Works

319 E. Anderson Ave.
Bushnell, FL 33513

Ph: 352-689-4400
Fx: 352-689-4401

Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Thanks Bogie Shooter!
As I said, this wasn’t meant as a knock on the area. We are seriously considering buying and are checking The Villages website all the time but before we do purchase, I need all of my questions answered.

[John_W]

Here's a thread where blasting near Fenney was discussed, post #3 has a link to a article you want to read.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/quarry-blasting-fenney-cracked-foundations-275852/?highlight=blasting

As to walking trails, whenever I play golf at Lopez it appears that a lot of walkers are enjoying the Springdale trail.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/springdale-fitness-trail-36299/

https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/images/walking-trail-maps.pdf

[vintageogauge]

I'm not sure if this is the third location you are looking for but several months ago they got approval to start mining further west than they are now which is a good thing, the further west the better as far as we are all concerned especially if they are running out of product in their current location. One more thing, if you notice, they have some very high processing equipment down there, they also are near buildings and home that have been here for decades, no one seems to be concerned about it nor has anyone ever posted any damage from it, the first homes in Fenney were sold in March or April of 2017, going on 2 years now and no reports of damage that I have heard.

[BRN_RI_FL]

Here's a thread where blasting near Fenney was discussed, post #3 has a link to a article you want to read.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/quarry-blasting-fenney-cracked-foundations-275852/?highlight=blasting

As to walking trails, whenever I play golf at Lopez it appears that a lot of walkers are enjoying the Springdale trail.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/springdale-fitness-trail-36299/

https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/images/walking-trail-maps.pdf

Thanks John.
I’ve read all the posts. I’m just trying to determine whether the area that looks like a quarry almost directly below Fenney/DeSoto is blasting. If Dixie Lime is 2 miles away, this area looks like it might be 1/2 mile or less.
I’ve walked that fitness trail many times but I like to take long walks. I’ve walked to Sumter Landing multiple times from Phillips Villas. I usually ride back with the wife though. Walking long distances in The southern Villages would be much safer as the trails are separate from the golf cart paths.

[B-flat]

Thanks Bogie Shooter!
As I said, this wasn’t meant as a knock on the area. We are seriously considering buying and are checking The Villages website all the time but before we do purchase, I need all of my questions answered.

Brucernelson, I think you are wise doing “due diligence” I would be too! Good luck and I hope you get the answers you really need to make an informed decision.

[BRN_RI_FL]

My only question is whether they are blasting in what looks like a quarry below. If they are not, then I am good. If they are, that just seems too close. That’s much closer than the 2 miles from Dixie Lime.

[BRN_RI_FL]

Brucernelson, I think you are wise doing “due diligence” I would be too! Good luck and I hope you get the answers you really need to make an informed decision.

Thanks!

[BRN_RI_FL]

I'm not sure if this is the third location you are looking for but several months ago they got approval to start mining further west than they are now which is a good thing, the further west the better as far as we are all concerned especially if they are running out of product in their current location. One more thing, if you notice, they have some very high processing equipment down there, they also are near buildings and home that have been here for decades, no one seems to be concerned about it nor has anyone ever posted any damage from it, the first homes in Fenney were sold in March or April of 2017, going on 2 years now and no reports of damage that I have heard.

1 agree. Further west is good.

[Daddymac]

Just my Thought.. The mining co. Has been there for 110 Years. Research where your going to live.
It like moving next to an Airport, Then complain about the noise. If you think it could be a problem
Don’t move there. Silly Me, Thinking Like That!

[BRN_RI_FL]

Just my Thought.. The mining co. Has been there for 110 Years. Research where your going to live.
It like moving next to an Airport, Then complain about the noise. If you think it could be a problem
Don’t move there. Silly Me, Thinking Like That!

Just trying to gather the facts so we can make an informed decision.

[graciegirl]

Just trying to gather the facts so we can make an informed decision.

Be sure to check to see if it isn't time to have your dryer vent cleaned out at the house you live in. Hope you had a homewatch while you were gone and you didn't have high water usage. Hope your thermostat was set correctly too so that you didn't have high bills. Welcome home. Enjoy your search for a second home.

[BRN_RI_FL]

Be sure to check to see if it isn't time to have your dryer vent cleaned out at the house you live in. Hope you had a homewatch while you were gone and you didn't have high water usage. Hope your thermostat was set correctly too so that you didn't have high bills. Welcome home. Enjoy your search for a second home.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year too!

[vintageogauge]

Another thought is to just call both companies and ask them where they are currently blasting and where in the future they will be blasting. I'm sure someone there will be able to answer your questions. Better yet, after you get here take your map and run down and ask them in person, they have offices at those locations. There would be no reason for them not to give you the information you need to make a decision.

[BRN_RI_FL]

Another thought is to just call both companies and ask them where they are currently blasting and where in the future they will be blasting. I'm sure someone there will be able to answer your questions. Better yet, after you get here take your map and run down and ask them in person, they have offices at those locations. There would be no reason for them not to give you the information you need to make a decision.

Good idea! That’s exactly what I’m going to do. Thanks for being helpful.

[coffeebean]

Every home being built down here will be sold, blasting or no blasting they are selling at a rapid pace and there are a heck of a lot of happy people living down here.

Just wondering if all the homeowners were aware of the blasting. Do the sales people make prospective buyers aware of the blasting?

[kcrazorbackfan]

Just wondering if all the homeowners were aware of the blasting. Do the sales people make prospective buyers aware of the blasting?

Uh-oh. Here we go again.....

[Joeg180]

Just wondering if all the homeowners were aware of the blasting. Do the sales people make prospective buyers aware of the blasting?

I don’t know if all homeowners knew about it, but my wife and did before looking in this area. It didn’t bother us, we built our dream home and closed last month.
Haven’t felt a blast or been worried about the prison.

[ditka41]

We moved into our new home in Desoto 7 weeks ago. Have heard only one small blast that we assumed was the quarry. Felt nothing at all. This is our 4th purchase of a Villages-built house and while the whole building process was very interesting, we finally feel that this one is everything we want in a house and location. Plenty of storage space in the expanded design and the view is super as we are right on a nice pond. We will appreciate when the MMP links up to the "old" side of TV, but it certainly is not a major problem right now and is not a "deal-killer" for any neighbors we have talked with. We really enjoy sitting by our pool and not hearing heavy traffic, racquet balls, and golf carts. It is very peaceful, quiet, and relaxing to just enjoy the surroundings. Our developer is making sure that sod is placed very promptly on new construction sites so we have not had problems with air-borne dust. My experience is that the developer listens, and provides what people really desire as the spectacular growth continues. They are keeping up with the amenities that help make this place so desirable. Good luck in choosing your location in The Villages. There is something "just right" for most everyone and it's good that you're researching before making the decision regarding location.

[graciegirl]

Just wondering if all the homeowners were aware of the blasting. Do the sales people make prospective buyers aware of the blasting?

Well sure. And they tell them that they are in danger of living in a state where Hurricanes could batter them and drown them and that sinkholes could completely wreck their home.. They also don't tell them that they are going to get older here and will eventually die. They don't tell them that alligators could eat their dog or bite off their arm and they don't tell them that poisonous snakes slither around occasionally. They don't tell them that there have been two murders in The Villages and thirteen people have been killed in golf cart accidents in the last seven years.

I don't think that anyone selling homes (MLS or NEW)points out every negative unless is is something the law says must be disclosed.

[ditka41]

Matter of fact, the person who sold us our lot (after much looking) DID tell us the location of the quarry and said it may occasionally be audible in the area we chose. The one noise I heard could have been a dump truck going over a large bump . That's also what it sounded like. I also brought up the prison location and likewise, it has been no problem. In my opinion, our salesperson was very open and honest. We also discussed how you can count on a certain handful of individuals to post on this site anything they think is capable of triggering complaints.
I agree with GG and believe a Villages sales person will be truthful if you simply ask their opinion of any negatives regarding the area you're considering.

[UptownBee]

As a new buyer (we close in January) in the Village of McLure, our Sales Agent didn't offer the information on the blasting or the prison. We found out about these potential issues from talking to Village residents during our lifestyle visit. I know the buyer is required to do their own due diligence but the agent not mentioning these things did make me wonder why she didn't mention it. They should really tell you and then suggest you talk to people who live in Fenney to see how it will affect you.....it just looks bad that they don't tell you. However, I do think if these were issues that really impacted a persons quality of life in Fenney this board would be awash in people complaining about the issues....and it would be people from Fenney instead of people who don't live there. I've noticed that predominantly the negative comments / "jokes" about the issues are from people who don't live in Fenney. Until I actually live there, it's difficult to really know the impact of the issues but I'm comforted in that I don't see post after post of people who actually live in Fenney saying the blasting or prison affects their quality of life.

[bagboy]

^^^

[Gpsma]

Blasting is what makes Fenney special and different from the rest f the Villages

[diane reynolds]

or a pickleball court.

[graciegirl]

Blasting is what makes Fenney special and different from the rest f the Villages

Sometimes I like sarcastic humor and sometimes I don't.

I don't like Hummus. I've tried and tried.

I do like Fenney. If you haven't visited or had lunch at The Fenney Grill, then you, the collective you, are missing out.

Merry Christmas all Fenneyites. You are Villages Pioneers and you chose well.

[wayneman]

Vintageogauge,
I beg to differ with your reply. I live in Fenney. The first time i felt the blast i felt like a airplane
crashed into my neighbors house. The entire house shook, it was a huge sonic boooom. Scared the
you know what out of me. We have been here almost a year and have experienced 3 or 4 blasts.
That does not include the ones that happen when we are not home. Hard to think when your entire house rattles so vigorously
that no damage occurs. We plan to have our home professionally inspected prior to the end of
our 1 year warranty. I suggest others do the same.

[flyguy909]

We have been in Fenney for almost 2 months now and as far as I'm concerned the blasting/prison debate is alot to do about nothing. In that time I have felt just one blast that lasted a fraction of a second and was really nothing - no rattling of dishes, no loud noise... totally a non issue for us. I think there are much worse things to live near - constant traffic noise, pickleball courts, etc. When we first moved in I had a little buyers remorse about not being close to everything up north, but the longer we're here the more we appreciate the vibe down here.

[eweissenbach]

Matter of fact, the person who sold us our lot (after much looking) DID tell us the location of the quarry and said it may occasionally be audible in the area we chose. The one noise I heard could have been a dump truck going over a large bump . That's also what it sounded like. I also brought up the prison location and likewise, it has been no problem. In my opinion, our salesperson was very open and honest. We also discussed how you can count on a certain handful of individuals to post on this site anything they think is capable of triggering complaints.
I agree with GG and believe a Villages sales person will be truthful if you simply ask their opinion of any negatives regarding the area you're considering.

Villages real estate reps are like EVERYONE else in the world, some are very helpful and ethical, some not so much. Over the past nine years I have run into many of the former and a few of the latter. Do your own due diligence.

[Nucky]

Villages real estate reps are like EVERYONE else in the world, some are very helpful and ethical, some not so much. Over the past nine years I have run into many of the former and a few of the latter. Do your own due diligence.

I wish I could get my thoughts out into words like you do. I agree completely.

I don’t believe that there is much to worry about with the blasting. It is a normal daily event all over the entire country not a conspiracy against anyone in The Newest Area which I think is beautiful.

Merry Christmas to everyone spending their first Christmas in The Villages. Don’t fight the Peacefulness go with the flow.

[graciegirl]

I wish I could get my thoughts out into words like you do. I agree completely.

I don’t believe that there is much to worry about with the blasting. It is a normal daily event all over the entire country not a conspiracy against anyone in The Newest Area which I think is beautiful.

Merry Christmas to everyone spending their first Christmas in The Villages. Don’t fight the Peacefulness go with the flow.

I love you friend and Miss Muffett too. Merry Christmas.

[vintageogauge]

I wonder if any of the residents near the sewage treatment plant or the vegetation dump were told to expect foul odors when they purchased their homes. Or what about living near a fire station, that would be very concerning to me as I am a light sleeper. I lived on a golf course for 13 years, had to listen to the landscapers out there almost every morning with lights on to prepare the greens, tees, and approach areas. twice a week the big tractors were out making all kinds of noise. Had no privacy on our decks as we were across from a green and behind the tee boxes for the next hole, lots of foul language, trash on the ground, and noisy golf cars. Living on a golf course is not all that it's made out to be. My point being that an occasional jolt from a mine blast is nothing compared to each and every day events noted here.

[vintageogauge]

Vintageogauge,
I beg to differ with your reply. I live in Fenney. The first time i felt the blast i felt like a airplane
crashed into my neighbors house. The entire house shook, it was a huge sonic boooom. Scared the
you know what out of me. We have been here almost a year and have experienced 3 or 4 blasts.
That does not include the ones that happen when we are not home. Hard to think when your entire house rattles so vigorously
that no damage occurs. We plan to have our home professionally inspected prior to the end of
our 1 year warranty. I suggest others do the same.

We have been here 18 months, our home is block and stucco, and have felt nothing near a sonic boom, like others have stated it is like a large truck driving over a pot hole and only lasts a second or two. We have no cracks in our stucco, tile, exposed floors, ceilings, or walls. We had our home entirely inspected at the one year mark and no damage found and he,one of the best home inspectors in TV, has posted on this thread that he has inspected several hundred homes down here and found nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe you live in a frame home or villa that would be more susceptible to vibration than a block home, I don't know but it doesn't bother me and would not stop me from building another home down here. Merry Christmas to all.

[thelegges]

Vintageogauge,
I beg to differ with your reply. I live in Fenney. The first time i felt the blast i felt like a airplane
crashed into my neighbors house. The entire house shook, it was a huge sonic boooom. Scared the
you know what out of me. We have been here almost a year and have experienced 3 or 4 blasts.
That does not include the ones that happen when we are not home. Hard to think when your entire house rattles so vigorously
that no damage occurs. We plan to have our home professionally inspected prior to the end of
our 1 year warranty. I suggest others do the same.
It is suggested that all new homes have a professional home inspection before their one year. We are on our third new home and have always had an inspection, none of homes were in the Fenney area YET. Bonus is you can put your home up for sale if you are unhappy in TV and sell very quickly, compared to other parts of the US

[vintageogauge]

I suppose an occasional explosion, federal prison and long drives to shopping wouldn't stop many buying into the Fenny area. If only they knew before the purchase, would they still?
For me I'll continue to look at resales above SR44 because I know. Thank you TOTV.

I live here, know all about everything down here, and would not hesitate in building another home here, as a matter of fact, South of 44 is the only area I would choose to live in. We have spent 6 winters in 6 different villages and for us none compare to Fenney. You get so much more for so much less money than used homes and the people living here are simply great, it's hard to pass this up. Merry Christmas to all.

[Joeg180]

I knew about both non-issues before selecting a lot, designing our house and moving in.
As far as long trips to shopping, grocery is 5 minutes away.

Household items (Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.) is about the same as we drive at our hose up north.

[Bogie Shooter]

I suppose an occasional explosion, federal prison and long drives to shopping wouldn't stop many buying into the Fenny area. If only they knew before the purchase, would they still?
For me I'll continue to look at resales above SR44 because I know. Thank you TOTV.

Fenny bashing is no longer funny.

[vintageogauge]

I for one am not a real estate agent nor am I in the bashing industry. Simply pointing out an issue others may appreciate knowing about does not mean there is profit or the lack of it involved. I'm surprised the Wildwood tax is not discussed. It certainly is the gift that keeps on taking, year after year.
Merry Christmas all!

You are not a resident to the southern villages either and I would consider your posts bashing. There is no reason to discuss Wildwood Property taxes but I'll join in, they actually went down this year and our total tax rates are lower than the villages located in Lake county. When we purchased our home we were shown the tax rates for the county and city as well as the bond, nothing was hidden. I feel better now that the Wildwood Tax has been discussed.

[vintageogauge]

You failed to mention what it would cost in the Lake County villages. And a 500,000 home in the unincorporated areas is not even close to the average cost of a home in those areas or down here so the $1,829 difference is meaningless. People that can afford to live down here or in Lake county don't seem to be complaining about their property taxes and I have no idea why you are unless of course it's a form of bashing. Property taxes in any of the villages are much, much lower than we were all paying up north.

[vintageogauge]

Unincorporated Sumter County includes the vast majority of homes in The Villages. You're correct, Lake County, Fruitland Park taxes will increase a Villages home tax rate 68%. That would be the Pine Ridge and Pine Hills area.
I've done my homework. A successful retirement demands low expenses.

I'm impressed that you've done your homework however just because your successful retirement demands low expenses doesn't mean everyone else has the same problem.